Ever poured yourself a glass of tap water and caught a faint whiff of… a swimming pool? Yep, that sharp, chemical scent? That’s chlorine. It’s in most municipal water systems, and while it does a great job disinfecting water at the source, you probably don’t want to be sipping on it daily.
If you're into wellness, detoxing, or simply trying to create a healthier lifestyle, figuring out how to remove chlorine from tap water naturally could be a game-changer. The good news is you don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive setups—just a few simple natural water purification techniques (some of which you probably already have at home).
Let’s break down:
- Why chlorine's in your water in the first place
- What too much of it could be doing to your body
- How to switch to chlorine-free drinking water using safe, eco-friendly water treatments
Why is there chlorine in tap water anyway?
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Chlorine is added to public water supplies to kill bacteria, viruses, and other potentially dangerous pathogens. Think of it as a built-in sanitizer for your tap. And in terms of public health, it’s saved lives.
But here’s the flip side: once that water reaches your faucet, you don’t really need the chlorine anymore. In fact, it might be doing more harm than good—especially over time.
Long-term exposure to chlorine in drinking water has been linked to issues like skin irritation, digestive discomfort, and even an increased presence of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which some studies suggest may have carcinogenic effects. And let’s be honest—it just doesn’t taste or smell good.
How to tell if your tap water is high in chlorine
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Before you run to your kitchen and start boiling pots of water, here are a few signs that your water might have higher-than-usual chlorine levels:
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Strong bleach-like smell
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Metallic or bitter aftertaste
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Eye or skin irritation after showers
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Dry, brittle hair or itchy scalp
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Yellowing or fading of fabrics after laundry
If any of these sound familiar, your tap might need a little detox.
So, here are a few things you could do:
1. Let it breathe (a.k.a. aeration)
This one’s super simple—and free. Just fill a wide-mouth pitcher or bowl with tap water and leave it uncovered for a few hours. Chlorine naturally evaporates from water over time when exposed to air.
For faster results, stir the water occasionally or pour it between containers to introduce more oxygen. This method works best for small batches of water (like what you’d use for drinking or cooking).
Pro tip: Leave it out in the sunlight, and the UV rays will speed things up.
2. Bring the heat: Boiling
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Boiling your tap water for just 15–20 minutes can remove most of the chlorine. Heat breaks down chlorine molecules quickly, making it a super effective method if you need clean water fast.
Of course, it’s not the most convenient option for your daily water needs—but it’s great if you’re prepping for a baby’s formula, cooking sensitive dishes, or want a DIY water detox once in a while.
3. Vitamin C to the rescue
You read that right—good ol’ Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) neutralizes chlorine like a pro. This method is especially popular for treating bathwater or filling up large jugs of water at home.
You can use powdered Vitamin C or even drop a tablet into your water container. It works quickly and effectively without altering the taste of the water. Just be sure to use the right amount (a little goes a long way) and store any leftover water in a clean, sealed bottle.
4. Activated carbon and charcoal filters
Now we’re talking everyday convenience. Activated carbon filters are one of the most effective and accessible ways to remove chlorine—and other contaminants like pesticides, VOCs, and heavy metals.
You’ve probably seen them in water filter pitchers, faucet attachments, and under-sink systems. These are some of the most trusted tap water filtration solutions out there. What makes them so good? The charcoal has a super porous structure that traps chlorine and impurities as the water passes through.
If you want a simple, natural option that works seamlessly with your wellness lifestyle, natural charcoal water filters are the way to go. No electricity. No complicated setup. Just clean, crisp, chlorine-free water in every glass.
5. Storing water in copper bottles
Okay, now here’s where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness.
Copper has natural antimicrobial and purification properties—it’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic traditions to cleanse and energize drinking water. While it won’t remove chlorine on its own, when used after another method (like aeration or filtration), a copper water pitcher helps improve the quality of your water even more.
How?
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It may help reduce microbial recontamination
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It infuses trace amounts of copper—an essential mineral that supports metabolism, immunity, and joint health
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It adds a clean, crisp taste that makes you want to drink more water (always a win)
Final thoughts: Simple steps, better water
You don’t need a lab or a luxury filtration system to clean up your tap water. Just a little knowledge and a few smart habits go a long way.
To recap, here’s how to remove chlorine from tap water naturally:
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Let it sit and breathe
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Boil it for 15–20 minutes
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Add a pinch of Vitamin C
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Use activated carbon filters or charcoal filters
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Store purified water in copper bottles for added wellness benefits
These steps don’t just give you chlorine-free drinking water—they help you build a more mindful, healthy hydration habit. And your body will thank you for it.