Do you really need distilled...

What is the basis for having to use distilled water in your IPA dilution?

 

Low to no mineral content is distilled water's advantage. It may not be as crucial in IPA wipedowns as it is whenever water is left to dry on the paint.

 

It's a good idea if you plan to store the IPA/water solution for a long time before using it again. If you're going to dilute only what you will use on the spot, then regular water is fine.

 

Can you still buy distill water at the grocery store, or wherever?

 

Yes. if it's not in the drinking water aisle, try the cleaning solution aisle.

 

You can purchased distilled water from Target also.

 

Pretty much anywhere should have it, and for cheap. I get mine at Walgreens, something like $0.99 a gallon.

 

If you used Distilled or Reverse Osmosis water with your chemicals they will be much more effective, period. I also use it in my steamer and extractor.

The cheapest way to get it is my grocery stores have RO water refill stations I take my 10 gallon jugs fill them up for 49 cents a gallon!

So the answer is yes use it for the best results possible

Cheers,
GREG

 

Definitely want to use distilled water in any equipment that uses a heating element. Such as your steamer, carpet extractor, or even your iron. You'll end up with mineral scale if you use tap water and will the equipment will fail much sooner than it should.

 

like everyone is saying low-to-no mineral count. I personally dont want to go out and buy the gallon of distilled unless i plan on using it for heavy cleaning. However, and this may sound funny, i use my Brita water as it is somewhat demineralized and more cost effective. I usually just use it to fill up my bottles. However I have heard if our using non-distilled +70% alcohol vs the 92%, to use 2:1 concentration to be more effective. I have not tried this as i just use a 50/50 brita and 70% and it yeilds great results.