A cold cup of water is the best way to unwind. Nowadays, most refrigerators come with a water dispenser. The water that emerges from it occasionally has a better flavor. It begs the question, then: Is Water from the Fridge Distilled? Let’s talk about the specifics if that’s your worry.
The water that is dispensed from your refrigerator is filtered water. Water will be screened and dispensed into your cup via the refrigerator’s water line. A different procedure is used for distilled water. Minerals are removed from the water by boiling it.
You might be wondering what distinguishes the two. Why would you want to take away water’s minerals? Does distilled water, which lacks minerals, make filtered water unclean? These are some valid worries. Continue reading to find out more.
Water From A Fridge
Before defining the variations between the two types of water, let’s talk about how water passes through your refrigerator. For example, the pipe might be in a wall or under the floor. A cold water supply line is connected to your refrigerator if it has a water dispenser.
Water can enter the refrigerator through this plumbing line. However, a tiny filter is passed before the water enters the dispenser. Every brand has a different location for the filter. Usually, you can find it close to the bottom or close to the top shelf.
Activated carbon filters are used in refrigerators to filter out dirt and other impurities. Several variables affect how effectively it filters these particles. Chlorine is typically removed by refrigerator filters. Both taste and scent are aided.
Additionally, not all of the contaminants in the water are eliminated. Only the harmful ones are eliminated. So, calcium, magnesium, and potassium will all be present in trace levels in refrigerator water.
It is clear from all of this evidence that we are consuming filtered water. Is the water tainted by the minerals in it? Not precisely. Micronutrients include potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They play a vital function in our bodies.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is something entirely different. It is filtered using a procedure. However, it doesn’t accomplish that by using a filter. Compared to filtered water, it has fewer minerals. Some people will assert that it is clean water. That’s not the case, though. Minerals will exist in minute quantities. However, there is hardly any leftover.
How is Distilled Water Produced?
Steam distillation is the method used to produce distilled water. Boiling water is the first step. The water will then start to steam. The minerals are lost when it transforms into vapor.
Eventually, the vapor turns back into liquid. As previously stated, not all of the minerals are removed. However, according to some estimates, the distillation process removes about 99.9%.
Overall, the outcome is a type of pure water. In general, distilled water has a bland flavor. The lack of minerals is the cause of this. You cannot classify it as distilled water because refrigerators do not boil the water before it enters the dispenser.
Are Bottled Water And Filtered Water From The Refrigerator Equivalent?
You could compare the different types of water during the entire purification process. Filtered water differs from distilled water. What about bottled water, though? Will it taste like distilled water or water straight from your refrigerator?
According to the information on the bottles of water. They all go through a purifying procedure, though. Manufacturers frequently employ vapor distillation or reverse osmosis.
It is not filtered like the water in your refrigerator. In general, tap water has more minerals than bottled water does. As a result, mineral content in bottled water will be higher than in distilled water. Is one preferable to the other? The answer is determined by your diet.
You might not consume enough fruits and vegetables to receive the necessary micronutrients. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium may all be found in filtered tap water, which is a great way to add them to your diet.
What Are The Differences Between Refrigerator Water And Tap Water?
Several variables affect how tap water and refrigerator water differ from one another. Filtration systems spring to mind as one. The filters in refrigerators are uniform. Activated carbon is typically found in refrigerators.
For your tap water, you do have a few choices. Some of them can simply be poured into the faucet. The sink can be accessed by others.
Filters made of activated carbon are those that screw onto the faucet. The water quality in your refrigerator will not change if this is the only filtration method used on your tap water.
Below the Sink
It’s likely a RO filter if you have a filtration system under the sink. Reverse osmosis is referred to as RO. In these systems, a semipermeable membrane is pushed open by applying pressure to the water molecules.
Pre-filter is what it is. Water is filtered through many stages by RO systems. It removes any sediments from the water first with a filter. The water is then given permission to pass through a carbon filter.
The carbon filter removes copper, mercury, chlorine, and pesticides. It then passes through a semipermeable membrane. Smaller contaminants are removed by the membrane.
It then moves into a storage tank after navigating the membrane. It will be purer than refrigerator water because it has undergone multiple filtration stages. There will be one more filter before it reaches the faucet. It’ll resemble bottled water in appearance.
How To Clean A Water Dispenser In A Fridge
There will be some water left over after using a water dispenser. It might touch the retainer cup, dispenser lever, etc. The first error you may make is to leave the area damp.
In humid environments, mold grows well. If you leave the area damp, mold development will be encouraged. Therefore, after each use, wipe the dispenser dry.
You can try your best to keep that place comparatively tidy. Then, we need to know how to handle the ongoing bacterial exposure caused by our hands.
Yes, there are bacteria everywhere. Not all of them are hazardous. However, it is impossible to determine where a person’s hands may have been placed.
Cleaning the Area
Therefore, we must clean the dispenser. To accomplish this:
- Submerge a toothbrush in vinegar water.
- Scrub the area thoroughly.
- Dry it off with a microfiber towel.
The following report exemplifies how filthy the dispenser may be.
How Often Should You Replace The Water Filter In The Fridge?
Our water is kept clean via filters. But the pollutants eliminate the need to go somewhere. Water filters in refrigerators don’t throw them out. Impurities are captured by the pores in activated charcoal filters.
It does, however, have a small surface area. Once it becomes clogged, the filter can no longer filter out toxins from your drinking water. As a result, your water will get increasingly contaminated. It’s not the same, even if it tastes or looks the same.
If the water in your neighborhood is already relatively clean, it is not a significant concern. The quality of the water will change in states where there are more minerals present. Whirlpool and other manufacturers advise changing your water filter every six months.
Upkeep of the Filter
These filters can, however, be pricey. You might also flush the impurities out of the filter if the cost exceeds your price range. For this circumstance, distilled white vinegar comes in handy.
The pollutants can be removed by soaking the filter in a container of vinegar. Give it a day to rest inside. After that, give it a few rinses under the sink.
You can flush the interior with white vinegar in this manner. To wash it away, you must pour several cups of water over the vinegar. Reinstall your filter after that.
The task is finished after the last cup has stopped tasting like vinegar.
FAQs
Are Water Dispensers in Fridges Clean?
There are other aspects of your drinking water to take into account besides filtration devices. The dispenser’s hygiene has to be questioned. You don’t usually find yourself reaching for the faucet.
Typically, a faucet has handles for either hot or cold water. The water faucet in the refrigerator does not. Hands will continue to approach it. And we haven’t even mentioned the ice maker. People will occasionally become complacent and grab a few cubes with their hands. It raises the exposure to microorganisms even more.
This makes it susceptible to mold growth. It may be less hygienic if you don’t regularly clean the dispenser. It’s a subject that’s frequently disregarded.
How Frequently Should You Clean A Water Dispenser In A Fridge?
The dispenser must be cleaned frequently to maintain the water from a fridge free of bacteria. However, that depends on how often you use it. It matters who you are sharing the fridge with as well.
If the water dispenser is often used, clean it once each month. Do this in addition to changing the refrigerator’s filters. Otherwise, once every two months should be plenty for cleaning.
Conclusion
You could believe that water is water. That’s not the case, though. There are numerous ways to clean it. As we already know, refrigerators use activated carbon to filter water. As a result, filtered water rather than distilled water is released.
Hiiii! My name is Ruth and I am an experienced chef with a passion for food and cooking. My love of baking began when I was nine, and I have since been refining my skills in the kitchen ever since.
