Water, this essential substance for our body. The one we are lucky enough to see flowing clear and current at our tap, that of the slightly salty sea, but also that polluted in certain places. No matter where we find it, it is never completely pure, in the sense that we always find minerals, trace elements and salts. However, this is different in the case of demineralised water. How exactly is demineralised water produced and what exactly is the difference with distilled water? What is its use? Is it drinkable? Let’s clarify all the answers to all these questions in the following lines.
What exactly is demineralised water?
Demineralised water is water from which all the ions and all the salts have been removed. Demineralized water is nothing more than water without minerals. This process fundamentally changes the properties of the water, as the minerals in the liquid usually ensure a pH value of 7. If these elements are no longer available, then you are dealing with water that has an acidic pH of 5.
As a rule, demineralized water is obtained from tap water. The water is heated until it evaporates, then returned to its liquid state in a condenser. This removes minerals and salts. This operation can be performed several times. To determine the purity, the electrical conductivity of the water is measured after demineralisation: demineralised water has an extremely low conductivity.
What is the difference with distilled water?
The terms “demineralized water” and “distilled water” are often mistakenly equated. Distilled water is water from which all salts have been removed. Salts are found in tap water as ions and cations. As its name suggests, it is water obtained by distillation. Basically, the production method is similar. It is water completely free of ions, trace elements and all impurities. Distilled water is a little more expensive to produce than demineralised water, which is why demineralised water is used more frequently. Unlike distilled water, however, absolute sterility is not guaranteed.
Is demineralized water drinkable?
Have you ever wondered if this water is drinkable? And the answer to this question is very clear: yes. After all, it’s normal tap water. The only difference is that the water no longer contains minerals and therefore can no longer help your mineral balance. This demineralised water is not necessarily healthy, but it is also not unhealthy in normal quantities. It should be noted, however, that many scientists warn against the exclusive use of these waters. If you constantly consume demineralized water, your body may find itself deficient, especially in potassium and sodium. So long-term consumption is not recommended.
What are the uses of demineralised water?
In a household, demineralized water can be used for several things. The best known remains the use in irons. Using demineralized water is the only way to avoid limescale residues on your shirts, blouses and ties. If you have a boiler, it is also this water that is used in the system during its maintenance. Demineralized water is used in car batteries. In the field, it is used by car wash and cleaning companies. These stations use it to avoid unsightly marks on the bodywork. Demineralized water can also be used to clean valuable materials such as pearl or mother-of-pearl.
How to make demineralised water?
If you need demineralised water, you can simply collect rainwater. Rainwater is already demineralized because falling does not absorb any minerals. Similarly, if you have a condenser dryer, the collected water no longer contains minerals. So you can ideally use it in your steam iron. The production of demineralized water is not very expensive. All you need is a saucepan with a lid, a bowl and some ice cubes. Fill your pan halfway with tap water and let the bowl float in the water. It should not touch the bottom of your container. As soon as the water is hot, place the lid upside down on your pan so that the hollow is facing up. Now place the ice cubes in the hollow of the lid. Water vapor rises in the pan, condenses on the cold lid and then drips into the bowl. You thus obtain demineralised water.
In summary
The demineralization of water brings you certain advantages, since many devices that accompany us in our daily lives require demineralized water. When ironing, for example, you can protect your clothes from annoying limescale stains. The water is also drinkable as it is only treated tap water. It should however be noted that demineralized water does not restore the mineral balance of the body or can even damage it if it is consumed permanently.