do you really need distilled water?
457410
YES! I've had several of these plants. The others died quickly due to the chemicals in tap water. Using distilled has kept the plant healthy and GROWING!
278989
We use tap water and periodically follow the instructions to use vinegar to keep it working properly. Given the amount of water needed to fill it, I wouldn't spend the extra money to buy distilled water. We have quite a bit of calcium in our tap water and have not found it to be a problem with this humidifier. Hope this helps.
325845
As far as I know, yes. I usually use distilled water in mine. Work's great. Work's even better with the Hornady gun cleaning solution.
504233
Using distilled water will cut down on the sediment and growth in the filter media, but I still wouldn't recommend it. Distilled water is just too expensive. The better alternative is to get some Bacteriostatic Water Treatment solution and to replace the filter from time to time. Both will be much less expensive than 6 gallons of distilled water every day.
2050670
no fishy taste, but I don't recommend drinking distilled water. because you're taking out all the minerals and such when it is distilled, drinking nothing but distilled water you can die of thirst.
932621
If you only use distilled water, a filter is not required. It is recomended if you use tap water.
627679
As far as I know, distilled water is not necessary. I'm using regular bottled drinking water and it is still working just fine. About the white dust, I haven't feel any white dust yet. It might be because I've only used it for a few months.
1963252
Ideally, yes. For best results, you're supposed to use distilled water (which can be picked up at the supermarket for very cheap.) However, I never used it, and mine still works fine almost 4 years later. So it's your choice - I'm not confident it will make a difference.
518409
Distilled water is always strongly recommended to extend the life of the unit. Pipe water will work in case you run out of distilled, but only as a temporary solution.
1839959
Also, distilled water, which means it is usually from water heated to boiling and the steam is captured, has little to no mineral, or other content (steam distillate produces water of a high enough purity to be used in nuclear reactors, which require no impurities). Since the water is so pure, it can leach minerals and vitamins from your (pets) body. Drinking or spring water is far better for us (animals).
336425
Yes. I use filtered tap water. Some people use distilled water, but I find that tap water works just fine.
378848
I use tap water and have had no problem. I don't think there'd be any problem with distilled water either, but there's not a restriction on the water used.
2032652
If you are anal about it being spotless, then yes. But it's not really necessary. I just give it a quick rinse to get the big chunks out, and that is good enough. Because of how the distillation process works, the water will still come out just as good even if there is a bunch of crap in the bottom.
1683847
No, the only way to make distilled water is by boiling water, like tap water. This Camco water filter is only good for gardens, I would not drink the water from this filter. From what I understand, Camco has other water filters for making drinkable water.
2176708
They do suggest distilled water, but I have been using regular water and I have no problems. I have 8 humidifiers (3 different types that all use a sponge) and I have used regular tap water for a few years. The only potential problem that I can see would be if the tap water has a high mineral content.
1839962
Distilled water is not very good for drinking. It has no minerals and can be acidic. Filtered water is best.
107262
I usually use plain tap water, but I think they suggest distilled because if you have high mineral content in your water supply it can cause a build-up in the iron and cause it not to work properly over time.