Easy Ways to Clean and Purify Water in Your Home

Clean-and-Purify-Water

As water becomes more and more valuable, it is important to consider how people can clean and purify drinking water themselves. This is a guide on how to clean drinking water with common household items. Whether individuals need a way to disinfect their pet’s water bowl or filter their tap water, the following solutions may be of use.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective way to increase the alkalinity of tap water. It is also inexpensive, safe for children and pets, and easy to find with an average household of two or more people. Making tap water with baking soda is simple, but you need to follow several steps in this process for baking soda to do its job properly. This process differs slightly depending on whether tap water is reverse osmosis water, stream water, or well water.

Tap water with reverse osmosis needs baking soda added to it more than stream or well water. Add enough baking soda so that the water has a pH of 8.5 after adding the baking soda. If the pH is too high, the minerals in the water may be stripped, which can cause an unpleasant flavor.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective ways to clean dirty water. It has natural disinfectant properties that allow it to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Vinegar is a common household item, as well as a great way to clean water without chemicals. Most people have a bottle of white vinegar where they keep their keys or make salad dressing. Some people also have vinegar in the kitchen, as you can use to clean surfaces and countertops.

For tap water, add one-half teaspoon of white vinegar and one-half teaspoon of salt for each gallon of water. Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes before drinking.

Bleach

Bleach is another way to disinfect dirty water. However, it only kills the microorganisms in the water but does not clean it out. For tap water, add three drops of bleach per quart of water and sit 30 minutes before drinking. Bleach will not hurt small children or adults, but it can be deadly for pets. Dispose of unpurified water in a sealed container. The water can also be stored in a clean jug or plastic bottle for use later.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another way to clean dirty water. It is safe for drinking and can disinfect kitchen areas and other containers, such as pet bowls. Pour some vinegar into the water while it is sitting in your sink or on your countertop. Allow the water and vinegar to sit for a half-hour before using the water. Do not mix vinegar with baking soda, as it will cause a chemical reaction. 

Distilled Water

Distilled water is a good way to clean dirty tap water, as it removes most of the contamination, but it does not replace minerals that can be harmful if they are taken out. It is also good to boil tap water before making something like coffee or tea with it. Boiling will kill bacteria and other microorganisms. You can purchase distilled water at most grocery and drug stores.

Water Purification Tablets

Water purification tablets found at some grocery and drug stores can be installed directly into the tap of your refrigerator, as well as on your coffeemaker. The tabs contain different minerals that remove some of the chlorine and other contaminants from tap water before it is used. This can be a useful way to clean and purify tap water before cooking or drinking. Purification tablets are also safe for children and pets. These are some simple ways in which individuals can clean and purify their drinking water. When cleaning tap water, it is important to remember to use one method at a time, as mixing ingredients can create dangerous chemicals that can be harmful. Whether individuals choose to clean and purify their drinking water, it is always best practice to make sure the water they drink and use is safe. In a pinch, boiling water can be a good solution, so keep an instant boiler handy.