Distilled water, stripped of minerals and impurities through boiling and condensation, is uniquely located in various applications. It’s a versatile friend, from topping off car batteries to concocting homemade cleaning solutions. But where to find it? Look no further than your friendly neighborhood Walgreens!
In this article:
What is Distilled Water?
Imagine water stripped bare, leaving behind only its H2O essence. That’s distilled water. The boiling process removes minerals, salts, and even some bacteria, making it incredibly pure. However, this purity also removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Does Walgreens Have Distilled Water?
Yes! Walgreens sells distilled water in two primary brands: Nice! and Smartwater. You’ll typically find them in aisle 17. However, due to recent demand, stock may be limited.
What Types of Distilled Water Does Walgreens Sell?
Walgreens offers several distilled water variations, including:
- Nice! Distilled Water: This 1-gallon option is the most affordable, priced at $1.49. This Walgreens brand comes in 1-gallon and 16.9-ounce sizes, making it a budget-friendly choice for various uses.
- Smartwater Vapor Distilled Water: Available in various sizes (16.9 oz to 1.5 L, 33.8-ounce, and 50.7-ounce bottles, Smartwater Vapor Distilled Water contains added electrolytes for a slightly enhanced taste.), Smartwater offers distilled water with added electrolytes for taste. Prices range from $4.19 to $7.
- Smartwater Alkaline Distilled Water: This type boasts a 9.5 pH level and added electrolytes. Expect to pay $2.89 for a 1-liter bottle.
Important Note: Not all Smartwater distilled water is suitable for specific uses, like CPAP machines. If you require pure, mineral-free distilled water, opt for the Nice! Brand or confirm with your device’s manufacturer.
How Much Does it cost for distilled water?
Distilled water costs vary depending on brand, size, and current promotions. Expect to pay around $1.49 for a gallon of Nice! And slightly more for Smartwater’s smaller bottles. Remember, buying in bulk often brings cost savings.
Where can we use Distilled water?
While its lack of minerals makes it unsuitable for everyday drinking, distilled water shines in various scenarios:
- Automotive: Top off car batteries and coolant systems to prevent mineral buildup and corrosion.
- Home Appliances: Use it in irons, humidifiers, and steam cleaners to avoid mineral deposits that can damage equipment and reduce efficiency.
- CPAP Machines: Ensure pure, mineral-free steam for comfortable breathing without damaging the machine.
- Baby Formula: Some parents prefer to mix formula with distilled water to control mineral content, especially in areas with hard water.
- Humidifiers: Adding distilled water to your humidifier helps improve air quality and alleviate respiratory discomfort.
- Mixing cleaning solutions: Distilled water is ideal for diluting cleaning solutions, especially for streak-free window cleaning and preventing mineral buildup in irons and steamers.
- Plants: Some delicate plants prefer distilled water, as it lacks minerals that can harm them.
- DIY Projects: Use it for making homemade cosmetics, cleaning delicate electronics, or mixing paints and dyes.
Where to Find Distilled Water in Walgreens?
Look for the distilled water section in the beverage aisle at your local Walgreens, or typically in aisle 17 (mentioned before). You can also browse and order online for convenient pickup or same-day delivery.
Why Walgreens? Is Convenience King (or Queen)?
While convenience shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, Walgreens offers several advantages:
- Ubiquity: With over 9,000 stores nationwide, finding one is rarely an issue.
- Variety: They offer large and small bottle sizes, catering to specific use cases.
- Competitive Pricing: Nice! Brand provides a budget-conscious option.
- Quality Assurance: Both brands adhere to strict purity standards.
What are the alternative options to buy distilled water?
Were you looking for distilled water? There are more places to find it than you might think!
Grocery Stores: Your everyday grocery store is a great first stop. Most major chains, like supermarkets, stock distilled water, often at prices similar to what you’d find at Walgreens. So, check the bottled water section or near the cleaning supplies next shopping.
Home Distillers: Have you ever thought about making your own distilled water? A home distiller might be worth considering if you use it a lot. Over time, it can save you money, but remember, you’ll need to regularly clean and maintain the machine, and there’s an initial cost to buy it.
Online Retailers: Feeling internet savvy? Many online platforms like Amazon or Walmart offer distilled water, sometimes with great deals on bulk purchases. Be sure to compare prices and shipping costs before you click “buy.”
Beyond Purity: What Else to Consider?
Distilled water might sound fancy, but it’s different from magic water for everyday drinking. Here’s why:
Not a Mineral Masterpiece: Distilled water has no minerals, although it is excellent for some uses. Think of minerals as tiny helpers for your body, keeping you healthy and strong. So, for everyday drinking, stick to spring or mineral water with those helpful minerals inside.
Keep it Sealed: Distilled water is pure, but it needs protection! Store it in a closed container, like a jug or bottle, to keep bad things from getting in and making it dirty.
Walgreens Water Wisdom: Not all Walgreens stores have both types of distilled water (Nice! and Smartwater Vapor). So, before you head out, call them quickly to ensure they have what you need.
The Final Verdict
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a humidifier lover, or a DIY extraordinaire, Walgreens offers a readily available solution for your distilled water needs. Consider your specific use, budget, and environmental footprint when choosing between options.
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FAQs
What is distilled water?
Distilled water undergoes a purification process that removes minerals and impurities, making it nearly tasteless and odorless.
What are the uses of distilled water?
Distilled water has various applications, including:
- Mixing with infant formula
- Filling CPAP machines (ensure mineral-free water)
- Autoclave sterilization
- Mixing with electrolytes for homemade sports drinks
Is distilled water suitable for drinking?
While safe for occasional consumption, some experts recommend mineral-rich spring water for regular hydration due to the potential lack of essential minerals in distilled water.
What aisle is distilled water in?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a universally established aisle for distilled water across all drugstores. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Walgreens: Sometimes found in aisle 17, but it’s best to call your local store to confirm.
- CVS: Often located in the health and beauty aisle or near household cleaning products.
- Grocery stores: Look near bottled water, cleaning supplies, or pharmacy sections.
Do drugstores have distilled water?
Yes, most drugstores do carry distilled water, including Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. They typically offer brands like Nice!, Smartwater Vapor Distilled, and store brands.
What can I use instead of distilled water?
The best alternative depends on your intended use:
- Humidifiers and vaporizers: Filtered or deionized water can often be used instead of distilled water. Check your manual for recommendations.
- Car batteries: If distilled water isn’t readily available, a mixture of half tap water and half deionized water can be used in a pinch. However, distilled water is preferred to avoid long-term mineral buildup.
- DIY projects: Depending on the project, options like filtered, boiled, or deionized water might be suitable. However, distilled water offers the highest purity.
Is boiled water the same as distilled water?
No, boiling water does not make it distilled water. Boiling removes some impurities but not minerals and salts. Distillation involves condensing steam, leaving behind minerals and impurities, resulting in purer water.
Does Walgreens sell distilled water in larger quantities?
While 1-gallon jugs are the largest available in stores, you can find larger quantities like 5-gallon jugs online for delivery or pickup.
Is all distilled water the same?
As long as it meets USP purity standards, distilled water is the same regardless of the brand. However, some brands like Smartwater Vapor Distilled Water may have added minerals for taste.
