How to Clean a Water Distiller? Step by Step Instructions

The key, when cleaning a water distiller of any size, is to ensure that you effectively remove the minerals and scale from tap water that tend to build up inside the boiling chamber, as well as the other components. So, to make sure the water distiller is thoroughly clean, it is important, first and foremost, to use the right cleaning solution and ensure that the boiling chamber and collection container are properly cleaned and thoroughly rinsed before you put them back in.   

So, how do you clean your water distiller? Let's take it step by step.

How To Clean a Water Distiller in 10 Steps

Step#1: Assemble Everything You Need

There are about five important items you need to clean a water distiller:

• White vinegar, or a commercial descaling solution (usually citric acid-based cleaner). (For Co-Z water distillers, your distiller comes with the cleaning power included.)
• A soft, non-abrasive brush or sponge (emphasis on non-abrasive)
• A clean cloth or some paper towels
• Mild dish soap
• Some warm water

Beginning by assembling all your cleaning solutions and tools is important because (as I will explain), there are some extra precautions you may need to take depending on whether you are cleaning your water distiller with white vinegar or citric acid. 

Step#2: Unplug the Distiller and Let it Cool Down

Before cleaning, always unplug your water distiller and let it cool completely first.  Attempting to clean a water distiller while it is still plugged in and/or hot is taking a huge risk: you may get burned, or the heating mechanisms and components may get damaged. 

Step #3: Remove and Wash the Collection Container

When the water distiller cools down, the first component to remove and wash should be the collection container. Start by emptying out any remaining distilled water from the collection jug or carafe, then follow these steps:

• Inspect the bottom for mineral film residue and smell tentatively for any weird odor.
• If there is mineral residue at the base, or if you perceive an odor, soak it (in the warm soapy water) before cleaning. 
• If not, proceed to wash the container with warm, soapy water. Then rinse it (thoroughly), dry it, and put it aside. 

Step#4: Empty the Boiling Chamber

Pour out any leftover water from the boiling chamber. Once it is empty, you will likely notice white or brownish mineral deposits within the chamber. That's totally normal: it is nothing but scale buildup from the minerals present in the tap water that you just emptied. 

Step#5: Soak the Boiling Chamber with the Descalling Solution

Fill the boiling chamber with warm water and your prepared vinegar solution. The proportion should be 50-50: in other words, equal parts white vinegar and warm water. If you are using a citric acid descaling solution, follow the manufacturer's directions at this stage.

Then, let the boiling chamber soak for 4–12 hours, depending on how heavy the scale buildup is.

• For light buildup, 2–3 hours may be enough.
• For heavy buildup, leave it to soak overnight.

Step#6: Scrub Gently with the Sponge or Brush

When it is done soaking, use a soft sponge or brush (remember, no metal or abrasive pads) to gently scrub off loosened deposits inside the chamber. 
If some stubborn buildup remains, do not scrub too hard: refill with vinegar solution, and let it soak for another few hours before scrubbing again.

Step#7: Rinse the Boiling Chamber Thoroughly

When all the buildup has been scrubbed off and you are convinced that the boiling chamber is sufficiently cleaned, rinse it several times with clean water to remove any vinegar or cleaner residue. Then, proceed to wipe it dry with the soft cloth.

Step#8. Clean the Condenser and Exterior

Once the boiling chamber is clean and dry, the process of cleaning a water distiller is almost done. From here, your focus turns to the condenser coils and the lid.

• Wipe down the condenser coils or lid (stainless steel or plastic) with a damp cloth.
• Make sure the electrical components do not come in contact with the water.
• Clean the exterior of the distiller with mild soap and water, then dry.

Step #9: Clean the Charcoal Filter (if yours has one)

Many distillers, especially the smaller models, use a carbon post-filter to improve taste. If yours has a charcoal filter, replace or rinse it according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually every 1–3 months).

Step# 10: Reassemble and Run a Test Cycle

Once everything is dry, reassemble the unit and run a short distillation cycle (with tap water) to flush out any cleaning residue. Remember to discard this first batch of distilled water.

3 Important Tips for Cleaning Your Water Distiller

1. Let it Soak Overnight

• Depending on how heavy the mineral buildup is, it may take a long time to clean a water distiller. Ideally, you want to start in the evening, so you can leave it to soak overnight.
• Even if the mineral buildup is not too serious, soaking overnight will save you the frustration of having to leave it to soak for longer if the mineral buildup cannot be scrubbed off the first time.

2. Clean the Cover Thoroughly

Pay special attention to the interior of the lid. It usually contains some mineral residue. Cleaning the lid is especially important if your model has a rubber lid like Co-Z's countertop distiller. 

3. Remember the Minute Details

• Use distilled white vinegar or citric acid for eco-friendly descaling.
• Avoid abrasive brushes or steel wool to protect stainless steel surfaces.
• Always discard the first batch after deep cleaning: it’s just for flushing.

Cleaning a Water Distiller: Vinegar vs Citric Acid

The process of cleaning a water distiller remains largely the same, whether you use vinegar or citric acid powder. The only differences lie in how each solution is made, how long you will have to leave the boiling chamber to soak for, and the level of attention you need to pay to cleaning and rinsing.

Step	Using White Vinegar	Using Citric Acid
Mixing Solution	Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and warm water.	Dissolve 2–3 tablespoons of citric acid per quart (liter) of warm water.
Soaking Time	Requires a longer soak (4–12 hours) for heavy buildup.	Works faster (usually 1–3 hours is enough)
Odor	Strong smell that lingers briefly.	Mild, lemon-like scent.
Rinsing	Rinse thoroughly to remove vinegar odor.	Rinse normally; leaves little to no smell.

 

Overall, both vinegar and citric acid are quite effective for cleaning a water distiller. However, take note that vinegar is more common and inexpensive, while citric acid acts faster and leaves no odor. The overall process is the same: soak, scrub, rinse, reassemble.

How often should a Water Distiller Be Cleaned?

Ideally, a water distiller should be thoroughly cleaned approximately every 3-4 weeks. However, for maximum cleanliness, it is advisable to establish a water distiller cleaning schedule to aid you in cleaning consistently after each use, every week, and even every month. You also want to pay attention to water distiller maintenance tasks like replacing or rinsing the charcoal filters, inspecting the seals/gaskets, which should be done every three months or so. 

Water Distiller Cleaning Schedule

Frequency	Task	Purpose
After Each Use	Empty the boiling chamber	Prevents leftover minerals from baking onto the heating element.
	Rinse the chamber and collection container with warm water	Keeps mineral buildup and odors from forming.
Weekly (or every 5–10 cycles)	A deep clean of the boiling chamber with vinegar or citric acid	Removes mineral scale and residue for better performance.
	Wipe the lid, condenser, and exterior with mild soap and water	Keeps the unit clean and prevents dust or grime buildup.
Monthly	Replace or rinse the charcoal post-filter (if equipped)	Ensures clean taste and removes any residual odors.
Every 3–6 Months	Inspect all seals, gaskets, and power cords	Ensures no leaks or electrical wear. Replace parts if cracked or damaged.
Annually	Run a full-system descaling and component inspection	Extends lifespan and keeps distillation efficiency high.

Why Cleaning Your Water Distiller Matters

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your water distiller, and keeping your water distiller clean will help it perform at its best. In many countries, most people live in hard water areas, which can lead to limescale build-up.

If the limescale is thick, heat from the heating element cannot pass through sufficiently and your water distiller may overheat, then regular physical cleaning will help prevent limescale build-up. Adding a small amount of water to the water distiller's container and wiping it down with a non-stick pacifier will help reduce limescale buildup.

What does the water distiller remove?

The water distiller is able to remove fluoride, organic compounds, dissolved salts and solids, lead and other heavy metals, and virtually all other impurities from water. By converting water into steam, it is able to distill all contaminants from the water it purifies.

This is because pathogenic bacteria and potentially dangerous microorganisms cannot withstand such high temperatures. So viruses are neutralized during the boiling process, and municipalities may add chlorine and chloramines for germicidal purposes, but chlorine gives water a chemical taste and odor that is easily eliminated by water distillation.

Contaminants such as nitrates, drugs, barium, copper, arsenic and iron are separated from the water by water distillation, and the hardness of the water and any kind of mineral content will be completely removed in the distillation process!

So, let cleaning become a habit and let's stick to it!

Affordable Water Distillers From Co-Z Palace

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