Availability of Demineralized and Deionized Water at Walmart
Yes, Walmart does sell demineralized water, but its availability and naming can be a bit confusing for customers. While you can find products explicitly called "demineralized" or "deionized" water on Walmart's website, they are most often sold through third-party marketplace vendors, such as Aqua Science or SMPLY. In contrast, the most common high-purity water product stocked in the store aisles is 'distilled water,' typically under Walmart's own Great Value brand.
For most non-industrial uses, such as a CPAP machine or a steam iron, distilled water is the standard recommendation and is readily available. Demineralized water and deionized water are almost identical and are often used interchangeably, both having had mineral salt ions removed. The subtle differences in purity and contaminants removed generally only matter for highly specialized industrial or laboratory applications. The key takeaway for the average consumer is that Walmart's distilled water is the most accessible and appropriate choice for most needs that require demineralized water.
Where to Find it In-Store vs. Online
- Online: On Walmart.com, a search for "demineralized water" or "deionized water" will bring up several results from various brands. These products are sold by marketplace partners and are shipped directly to your home.
- In-Store: The most reliable place to find a suitable substitute is in the grocery or automotive section of your local Walmart. Look for the Great Value Distilled Water in the bottled water aisle, or check the automotive fluids section for deionized battery water.
Demineralized vs. Distilled Water: What’s the Difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, the purification processes and resulting water quality are technically different. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Demineralized/Deionized Water | Distilled Water |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Ion exchange resins or reverse osmosis. | Boiling water and condensing the steam. |
| Removes | Mineral ions and salts. | Minerals, salts, bacteria, viruses, and other impurities. |
| May Contain | Uncharged contaminants, bacteria, viruses. | Trace amounts of organic compounds with low boiling points. |
| Common Use | Laboratory testing, pharmaceuticals, industrial cooling. | CPAP machines, steam irons, humidifiers, batteries. |
| Primary Goal | Remove all dissolved minerals/ions. | Produce extremely pure, sterile water. |
For most household applications, the slight difference is negligible, and distilled water is sufficient and safer due to the removal of biological contaminants. The key is to use a product free of minerals to prevent scale buildup and corrosion, which both distilled and demineralized water accomplish.
Common Applications and Walmart's Solutions
Walmart's availability of distilled water provides a solution for many common household needs that require purified water.
For CPAP Machines and Humidifiers
CPAP machine manufacturers strongly recommend using distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the humidifier chamber. This mineral scale can damage the machine and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Walmart's Great Value Distilled Water is an ideal and widely available choice for this purpose.
For Car Batteries
Lead-acid batteries require periodic topping off with purified water. Using tap water, with its high mineral content, can shorten the battery's lifespan and performance. A product explicitly labeled as "battery water" or a gallon of distilled water from Walmart will work perfectly.
For Steam Irons
Using tap water in a steam iron can lead to mineral deposits (scaling) that can clog the iron's steam vents and stain clothes. Distilled water prevents this buildup, ensuring the iron operates efficiently for longer. The readily available Great Value Distilled Water at Walmart is the perfect solution here.
For General Household Cleaning
Demineralized water is often used in commercial window cleaning to achieve a streak-free finish. For similar results at home, using distilled water from Walmart for cleaning windows, mirrors, or other glass surfaces can prevent mineral spots from forming as the water dries.
For Delicate Plants
Using demineralized or distilled water can benefit sensitive or delicate plants by preventing a buildup of minerals and salts in the soil over time. This is especially helpful for plants that are sensitive to tap water contaminants. A gallon of distilled water from Walmart can be used for this purpose.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
It's important to remember that neither demineralized nor distilled water is recommended for regular drinking. The demineralization process removes beneficial minerals that are important for human health. While consuming a small amount is not harmful, long-term consumption could lead to mineral deficiencies. For drinking, natural spring water is a better choice, or if using a filtration system, ensuring it remineralizes the water after purification is ideal.
Conclusion
To answer the core question, yes, Walmart does sell demineralized water, but it's typically found through its online marketplace, sometimes labeled as deionized water. For the vast majority of consumer applications requiring mineral-free water, such as for CPAP machines, car batteries, and household steam irons, the readily available and affordable Great Value Distilled Water is the most practical and suitable solution. For specialized industrial or laboratory needs, checking the online marketplace is the best approach. By understanding the distinction between demineralized and distilled water, you can confidently make the right purchase at Walmart for your specific needs.
Where to find distilled water at Walmart
Finding distilled water at Walmart is straightforward. Here’s a quick list of locations to check:
- Bottled Water Aisle: Look for the Great Value Distilled Water gallons alongside other bottled drinking water products.
- Baby Aisle: Sometimes, distilled water is stocked near baby formula, as it is often recommended for use in preparation.
- Automotive Section: Some stores may carry distilled or deionized water specifically for car batteries in the automotive fluids aisle.
- Online Search: Use the Walmart.com search bar for "distilled water" or "deionized water" for home delivery, especially for larger quantities.
Final Check before buying
Before purchasing, especially for critical applications like medical equipment or batteries, always read the product label to ensure it is the correct type of water for your needs. While distilled water is almost always safe for these applications, a quick check can prevent any issues caused by confusion between products. Many third-party sellers on the Walmart marketplace clearly specify if their deionized water is suitable for lab, cosmetic, or automotive use, offering additional peace of mind.
