The 4 Easiest Ways To Remove Chlorine From Water

There are several methods for removing chlorine from tap water, including boiling the water, leaving it to sit out, using a carbon filter, and using vitamin C. People may want to remove chlorine from water due to its negative impact on the taste, smell, and quality of the water, as well as its potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. Chlorine is added to tap water to disinfect it and kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms, but it can also cause skin irritation and dryness, and studies have shown that exposure to high levels of chlorine may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Additionally, some people may want to reduce the environmental impact of chlorine. Each method of removing chlorine has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the most suitable method will depend on the specific situation and water source. There are a huge amount of methods out there to remove chlorine from water so I thought I would do the hard work for you and come up with a succinct guide on the 4 easiest ways to remove chlorine from water.

The easiest ways to remove chlorine from tap water are boiling, leaving it to sit out, using a carbon filter, and using vitamin C. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, and the most suitable will depend on the situation and water source.

1. Boiling:

Boiling water is a simple and effective way to remove chlorine from tap water. Boiling water for around 10 minutes can help to dissipate the chlorine and improve the taste and odour of the water.

How boiling water works to remove chlorine

When water is heated to its boiling point, the chlorine in the water is converted into a gas called chloramine. Chloramine is then released into the air as steam, leaving the water free from chlorine. This process is effective because chloramine has a lower boiling point than water, so it is more easily vaporized and removed from the water.

When is boiling water to remove chlorine most suited?

Boiling water to remove chlorine is most suited to scenarios where a small amount of water needs to be treated, such as when making a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a simple and easy method that requires no additional equipment other than a pot or kettle and a heat source. Boiling is also useful when access to other methods, such as a carbon filter or water conditioner, is not available.

Positives of boiling water to remove chlorine

One of the positives of boiling water to remove chlorine is that it’s a low-cost and easy method that doesn’t require any additional equipment or supplies. All that’s needed is a pot or kettle and a heat source. It’s also effective at removing chlorine, and it can help to improve the taste and odour of the water. Boiling water to remove chlorine can be particularly useful when travelling, camping, or during emergencies when other methods may not be available.

Negatives of boiling water to remove chlorine

One of the negatives of boiling water to remove chlorine is that it can be time-consuming, especially if a large volume of water needs to be treated. Boiling water for 10 minutes may not be practical in all situations, and it can result in the loss of some of the water’s minerals and nutrients. Additionally, boiling may not remove all impurities, such as heavy metals, that may be present in the water.

2. Letting water sit out

Leaving water out to remove chlorine is a simple and low-cost method that can help improve the taste and odour of tap water. By allowing the water to sit out for a few hours, the chlorine can dissipate and improve the overall quality of the water.

How leaving water out works to remove chlorine

When tap water is left out in an open container, the chlorine in the water slowly evaporates into the air. Chlorine is a volatile substance, meaning it easily transitions from a liquid to a gas. The amount of chlorine in the water will depend on the original concentration of chlorine and the amount of time the water is left out. In general, the longer the water is left out, the more chlorine will dissipate.

When is leaving water out to remove chlorine most suited?

Leaving water out to remove chlorine is most suited to scenarios where a small amount of water needs to be treated and time is not a concern. This method is ideal for those who do not have access to additional equipment, such as a carbon filter or water conditioner. It’s also useful when travelling or camping, where other methods may not be available.

Positive of leaving water out to remove chlorine

One of the positives of leaving water out to remove chlorine is that it’s a low-cost and easy method that doesn’t require any additional equipment or supplies. All that’s needed is a container to hold the water and time to allow the chlorine to dissipate. This method is effective at removing chlorine, and it can help to improve the taste and odour of the water. Additionally, this method does not result in any loss of water’s minerals and nutrients.

Negative of leaving water out to remove chlorine

One of the negatives of leaving water out to remove chlorine is that it can be time-consuming, especially if a large volume of water needs to be treated. Depending on the original concentration of chlorine, it may take several hours for the chlorine to completely dissipate. Additionally, this method may not remove all impurities, such as heavy metals or bacteria, that may be present in the water.

2. Using a carbon filter:

Using a carbon filter is a popular and effective method to remove chlorine from tap water. Carbon filters can remove chlorine as well as other impurities, resulting in cleaner and better-tasting water.

How using a carbon filter works to remove chlorine

Carbon filters are made of activated carbon, which has a porous surface that can absorb impurities from water. When water passes through a carbon filter, the activated carbon attracts and traps impurities, including chlorine, as the water flows through. The amount of chlorine removed will depend on the original concentration of chlorine and the quality of the carbon filter. Over time, the carbon in the filter becomes saturated with impurities and will need to be replaced to continue effective water filtration.

If you are interested to read more about what makes activated carbon filters special, have a look at my article on the topic Does Barbecue Charcoal Filter Water? What’s The Difference?.

When is using a carbon filter most suited?

Using a carbon filter is most suited to scenarios where a larger volume of water needs to be treated on a regular basis, such as in a home or office. It’s also an excellent choice for those who are concerned about removing impurities beyond just chlorine, as carbon filters can remove a range of contaminants such as lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds.

Positive of using a carbon filter to remove chlorine

One of the positives of using a carbon filter to remove chlorine is that it is an effective and efficient method that can improve the taste and odour of tap water. Carbon filters can remove not only chlorine but also other impurities, such as sediment, heavy metals, and pesticides. Additionally, carbon filters are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, only needing to be replaced every few months or so depending on usage. Carbon filters are also more environmentally friendly than other water filtration methods, such as bottled water, as they do not create plastic waste.

Negative of using a carbon filter to remove chlorine

One of the negatives of using a carbon filter to remove chlorine is that it can be an expensive method to use, especially when treating larger volumes of water. Carbon filters can be costly, and they may need to be replaced more frequently if the water source contains a high level of impurities. Additionally, carbon filters can remove beneficial minerals from the water, which can have a negative impact on overall water quality. It’s important to note that carbon filters are not effective at removing all impurities, such as bacteria or viruses, which may require additional methods for water treatment.

4. Adding vitamin C:

Using vitamin C is a lesser-known method to remove chlorine from tap water although somewhat popular for those who prefer a natural and chemical-free water filtration option. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can neutralize chlorine and effectively remove it from the water.

How using vitamin C works to remove chlorine

Chlorine is added to tap water to disinfect it and kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. While chlorine is effective at its job, it can also negatively impact the taste and odor of the water. When vitamin C is added to tap water, it reacts with the chlorine and neutralizes it, converting it into a harmless compound. This process is known as dechlorination.

When is using vitamin C most suited?

Using vitamin C to remove chlorine is most suited to scenarios where a smaller volume of water needs to be treated, such as for drinking water or filling a bathtub. It’s also a great option for those who are concerned about using chemicals or other types of water filtration methods.

Positive of using vitamin C to remove chlorine

One of the positives of using vitamin C to remove chlorine is that it is a natural and chemical-free method that can improve the taste and odour of tap water. Vitamin C can effectively neutralize chlorine without adding any harmful chemicals to the water. Additionally, vitamin C is readily available and easy to use, making it a convenient option for those who want to quickly dechlorinate smaller amounts of water.

Negative of using vitamin C to remove chlorine

One of the negatives of using vitamin C to remove chlorine is that it can be less effective when treating larger volumes of water. The effectiveness of the dechlorination process will depend on the concentration of chlorine in the water and the amount of vitamin C used. Additionally, vitamin C can add a sour taste to the water if too much is used, which may not be desirable for everyone.

Other effective, less convenient methods:

Ozone, reverse osmosis, and distillation are three additional methods for removing chlorine from water. Whilst each of the above methods is extremely effective they have the drawback of requiring expensive installation and high energy requirements, so they’re good but not easy!

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that is capable of destroying organic and inorganic contaminants, including chlorine. Ozone is generated on-site and injected into the water, where it reacts with and neutralizes chlorine molecules, leaving the water free of chlorine. One of the main advantages of ozone is that it does not leave any residual byproducts in the water. If you want to read further about ozone, you should have a look at my article specifically focussed on the topic What is ozonation, and how does it help purify water?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment process that removes impurities and contaminants by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking larger contaminants such as chlorine. RO systems are commonly used in homes and businesses to purify drinking water. One advantage of RO is that it removes a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine in a continuous manner if required. If you are interested in RO, you should read my article describing the various RO systems available How Many Stages Are There In Reverse Osmosis? It Depends!

Distillation is another water treatment method that can remove chlorine from water. In this process, water is heated to create steam, which is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form. The distillation process effectively removes chlorine and other impurities from the water, resulting in pure and clean water. Distillation is particularly effective in removing heavy metals and other pollutants that may be present in the water. When used practically distillation is expensive and cumbersome, however, if you are in a pinch and need to purify some seriously nasty water one interesting technique is explained in my article How To Purify Water For Free! 2 Clever Techniques, its worth a read!