When searching for high-purity water, you'll likely encounter two terms: distilled water and deionised water. While both are forms of purified water, they serve different purposes—and knowing the difference is key to choosing the right one.
At The Somerset Clearwater Company, we manufacture all our distilled and deionised water in-house at our Somerset facility, giving us complete control over quality, consistency, and freshness.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is produced via distillation: water is boiled into steam, then condensed back into liquid—leaving behind minerals, salts, and most contaminants (source). This process removes nearly all dissolved minerals, most bacteria, and many organic compounds.
Key Characteristics of Distilled Water
-
Very high purity
-
Free from minerals, salts, and many organic compounds
-
pH-neutral or slightly acidic
-
Long shelf life when properly stored
Common Uses for Distilled Water
-
CPAP machines and other medical equipment
-
Steam irons
-
Car batteries and radiators
-
Skincare and cosmetic production
-
Laboratory testing and rinsing
What is Deionised Water?
Deionised water (DI water) is made by passing water through ion-exchange resin, which removes charged ions such as calcium, magnesium, and chloride (source). Unlike distilled water, deionised water does not reliably remove organic compounds or bacteria.
Key Characteristics of Deionised Water
-
Excellent electrical resistance
-
Free from mineral ions
-
Faster and more energy-efficient to produce than distilled water
-
Not sterile—additional filtration is required for medical/lab uses
Common Uses for Deionised Water
-
Electronics and PCB rinsing
-
Window cleaning (spot-free rinse)
-
Industrial washing and rinsing
-
Car valeting and detailing
-
Lab procedures (where ion-free water is required)
Which Should You Use?
| Application | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| CPAP machines and medical devices | Distilled water |
| Steam irons | Distilled water |
| Car batteries and radiators | Distilled or deionised |
| Skincare and cosmetics | Distilled water |
| Laboratory work | Depends on purity required |
| Electronics rinsing | Deionised water |
| Window/glass cleaning | Deionised water |
| Industrial rinsing | Deionised water |
Why Choose The Somerset Clearwater Company?
Unlike many water suppliers, we don’t just repackage bulk-bought water—we manufacture our distilled and deionised water ourselves in Somerset, giving you:
-
Traceable UK-made purity
-
Consistent quality control
-
Options for both retail and trade
-
Fast nationwide delivery
Whether you're using it in your home, lab, or business, you can rely on our in-house production for dependable results.
Ready to Order?
Browse our full range of Somerset-manufactured distilled and deionised water in multiple sizes:
👉 Shop Now at The Somerset Clearwater Company
