The fastest places to buy distilled water
You can buy distilled water at any grocery store, drugstore, or big-box retailer in the cleaning or water aisle—usually near laundry supplies or bottled water. The most common brands are Aqua Distilled, Great Value (Walmart), and store-brand versions from Target, CVS, and Kroger. A gallon typically costs $1 to $3 depending on the store and brand.
If you need water today, a drugstore like CVS or Walgreens will have it, though the price per gallon is usually higher than a grocery store. Walmart and Target stock it year-round and often have the lowest per-gallon cost. Some people also find distilled water at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, usually in the cleaning section.
Key Takeaways
- Distilled water is sold at grocery stores, drugstores, and big-box retailers in the cleaning or water aisle, usually for $1 to $3 per gallon.
- Buying in bulk—a 5-gallon jug instead of individual gallons—costs less per gallon and means fewer trips to the store.
- Online ordering through grocery delivery services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh lets you have distilled water delivered to your home.
- If you use your humidifier regularly, a home water distiller pays for itself over time but requires counter or floor space and electricity.
Buying distilled water in bulk
A 5-gallon jug of distilled water costs $5 to $8 and lasts much longer than individual gallons if you run your humidifier daily or in multiple rooms. Walmart, Costco, and some grocery stores sell these large jugs in the water aisle. You can also order them online through Walmart.com or Amazon for delivery, though shipping costs can offset the per-gallon savings on smaller orders.
Refill stations exist in some areas—places where you bring your own jug and pay to fill it with distilled water. These are less common than they used to be, but you can search online for "water refill station near me" to see if one operates in your area. The cost is usually $0.50 to $1 per gallon, which is cheaper than buying pre-filled jugs, but you need to own or bring a container.
Online ordering and delivery
Grocery delivery services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+ let you order distilled water online and have it delivered within hours or days. Instacart connects you to local stores and shows you which ones have stock and what they charge. Amazon Fresh delivers to some areas and often bundles distilled water with other household items to reach free-delivery thresholds.
Ordering online works well if you want to avoid a store trip or if you buy regularly—you can set up a recurring delivery on some platforms. Delivery fees and minimum order amounts vary by service and location, so compare what's available in your area before committing to a subscription.
Making your own distilled water at home
A home water distiller boils tap water and collects the steam as it condenses, leaving minerals and impurities behind. Distillers cost $30 to $150 depending on size and brand, and they produce 1 to 4 gallons per day. If you run your humidifier year-round or in multiple rooms, a distiller can pay for itself within a few months compared to buying gallons at the store.
Distillers take up counter or floor space, use electricity (usually $0.50 to $1 per month), and require cleaning every few weeks to prevent mineral buildup inside the unit. Popular brands include Megahome and Waterwise. You can find them at Amazon, Walmart, or specialty water retailers. This option makes sense only if you have space, don't mind the upfront cost, and use distilled water regularly.
Why distilled water matters for humidifiers
Tap water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up inside your humidifier and create white dust on surfaces around it. Distilled water has these minerals removed, so it won't clog the humidifier's nozzle or leave residue on your furniture and floors. Using distilled water extends the life of your humidifier and keeps it working efficiently.
Some humidifiers come with demineralization cartridges that trap minerals, but these cartridges need replacing and don't work as well as distilled water. If your humidifier's manual says to use distilled water, follow that guidance—using tap water may void the warranty or damage the unit over time.
Comparing cost and convenience
| Option | Cost per gallon | Where to buy | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single gallon | $1.50–$3 | Grocery stores, drugstores, big-box retailers | Occasional use or first-time buyers |
| 5-gallon jug | $1–$1.60 | Walmart, Costco, grocery stores | Regular humidifier use, multiple rooms |
| Refill station | $0.50–$1 | Local water refill stations (search online) | Frequent users with reusable containers |
| Online delivery | $1.50–$3 plus delivery | Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Walmart+ | Convenience, avoiding store trips |
| Home distiller | $0.50–$1 (electricity only) | Amazon, Walmart, specialty retailers | Year-round use, multiple humidifiers |
Storage and handling tips
Store unopened distilled water in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, use it within a week or two—distilled water can absorb minerals and bacteria from the air if left sitting. Keep the jug sealed between uses and don't let the opening touch surfaces or your hands.
If you buy a 5-gallon jug, store it upright in a cabinet or closet to prevent spills. Some people keep a smaller container (like a pitcher or measuring jug) filled from the large jug for daily use, which reduces the risk of contaminating the whole supply. Never reuse distilled water bottles for other purposes, as they can harbor bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled water instead of distilled water?
No. Bottled water is filtered but still contains minerals. Distilled water has minerals removed through boiling and condensation, which is what prevents buildup in your humidifier. Using bottled water will cause the same mineral deposits as tap water over time.
Is store-brand distilled water the same as name brands?
Yes. Distilled water is distilled water—the process is the same regardless of brand. Store brands like Great Value and Target's Up & Up are chemically identical to Aqua Distilled and cost less. Buy whichever is cheapest and most convenient.
What if I can't find distilled water at my local store?
Order it online through Walmart.com, Amazon, or a grocery delivery service. If you need it urgently, call ahead to a few stores to confirm they have it in stock before driving over. Some areas have water refill stations that may be closer or cheaper than retail stores.
How much distilled water does a humidifier use?
It depends on the humidifier's tank size and how often you run it. A typical bedroom humidifier holds 1 to 2 gallons and may need refilling daily if running continuously. A single gallon lasts several days for occasional use, but regular users should buy in bulk to save money.
Do I need to buy distilled water if my humidifier has a demineralization cartridge?
Cartridges help but don't eliminate the problem entirely. Distilled water is still the best option for preventing mineral buildup. If your humidifier came with a cartridge, check the manual—some models require distilled water anyway, and the cartridge is just extra protection.