The majority of public water facilities chlorinate to kill bacteria and viruses that will get you ill, rendering tap water potable. Although it does serve to safeguard the public health, residents complain of the foul odor, taste, and even rashes on the skin caused by chlorinated water. Fortunately, dechlorinating your home water supply is not a costly renovation or professional setup endeavor.
These simple six steps will allow you to have fresher, better-tasting water in your entire home and keep your family safe from the unwanted effects of chlorine exposure. Before anything, undergo simple water testing at home to check the quality of your tap water. Then, follow the advice in this guide.
1. Install a Whole House Water Filter
A whole house system filters water as it comes into your home so that everything from every faucet through to the showers and appliances receives filtered water. Whole house systems generally utilize activated carbon or catalytic carbon media to take out chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals.
The initial investment varies from $300 to $1,500 based on system type and size. Long-term advantages are softer skin, healthier hair, better-tasting water, and longer appliance life. Replacement of the filter is needed every 6-12 months for the majority of systems.
2. Use a Shower Filter
Shower filters are easy to install on your current shower head or to replace your shower arm. Your pores open up with hot water and permit chlorine to penetrate deeper into your skin, so shower filtration is extra important for people who have sensitive skin or breathing issues.
These compact filters typically cost between $20 to $100 and are tool-free to install in minutes. Replace the filter cartridge every 6-8 months, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. The majority of users see a difference in skin softness and dry hair immediately.
3. Use Activated Carbon Pitcher Filters
Pitcher water filters offer an affordable starting point for house owners who want to dechlorinate drinking water. Activated carbon media will effectively remove the chlorine taste and odor and stay nicely in your fridge.
These water pitchers filter 6-10 cups at a time and require replacement filters every 2-3 months. This solution may not filter the water supply of your entire house, only what you drink, yet it is an expedient solution to better-flavored beverages and cooking water.
4. Boil Your Water
Boiling the water for 15-20 minutes causes the chlorine to evaporate on its own. Chlorine evaporates because its boiling point is lower than water, so it will be a gas and will leave the water in the form of air.
Although adequate for small amounts, boiling is impractical for whole-house treatment or large amounts of water. Boiling is best left for cooking water, warming infant formula, or for emergency use when other filters are unavailable. Let the water cool completely before consumption or storage.
5. Let Water Sit Out Overnight
Chlorine will naturally diffuse when it is exposed to air over time. Leave an open jug of tap water outside and exposed to room temperature air for 24 hours. Chlorine will evaporate, leaving you with water that tastes better.
This low-cost, equipment-free passive method is ideal for low-budget homeowners. To speed up the process, periodically agitate the water or use a wide-mouth container that exposes the water to more surface area. Keep in mind, this process works best on drinking water and small quantities.
6. Add Vitamin C to Bath Water
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) kills chlorine in a chemical reaction that neutralizes it. Add 1000mg powdered vitamin C or crush up a number of vitamin C tablets into the bath water just before filling the bathtub.
This is especially beneficial for kids with sensitive skin or adults who like to soak for longer periods of time. The vitamin C dissolves easily as well and dechlorinates water upon contact, so bath time can be relaxing. Buy the vitamin C powder in bulk for the best deal.
Select the Appropriate Method for Your Home
All the methods of removing chlorine are appropriate for various budgets and requirements. A whole house system offers blanket protection, whereas pitcher filters and vitamin C are localized solutions. Some people prefer the combined method—using a shower filter for showering and a pitcher for use in cooking water and for drinking water purposes.
Begin with a method that you can afford and that works for you, and scale up your chlorine removal method as and when needed. Your house will notice the difference in the taste, smell, and feeling of water immediately.