Most of us are taught from childhood that boiling water kills bacteria and makes it safe to drink. But does boiling water actually kill bacteria? Today, we’ll use examples from our own lives to explore the physics behind boiling water.
Why Boiling Water Kills Germs and Viruses
It is basically magic when you think about it, the simplicity of boiling water. Just heat it up, and voilà! However, there is a potent science behind this seemingly simplistic procedure. Hot water which warms up to 100 Degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) causes the cell structure of bacteria and viruses breaking down.
Does heating water kill bacteria? Yes, it does. Heat is used to break down the proteins in these microorganisms and this can kill them, making it a potent tool. If your water is contaminated with bacteria or viruses, such as E. coli and norovirus; boiling it can be an effective method to make the water safe for drinking.
How Long to Boil Water to Kill Bacteria and Viruses
There is a lot of controversy over how long to boil water. One minute is usually the recommended thing to ensure it safe. For elevations above 6,500 feet (350), boil water for three minutes. This way any bacteria or viruses that are around are completely killed.
I remember, a time during a camping trip when I didn’t boil the water long enough. In a hurry I figured on just boiling it for a minute or two. I was hit with a nagging stomach ache the next morning.
Does Boiling Water Kill Everything?
While boiling water is highly effective, it’s not a miracle worker. Can boiling water kill germs? Absolutely. But it doesn’t kill everything. Some microorganisms, like certain spores, can survive extreme temperatures. Moreover, boiling water won’t remove heavy metals, toxic chemicals, or other contaminants like pesticides.
Here, we must remember that while boiling water is the first most important task to be done but it might not always mean safe drinking water.
How Heat Kills Bacteria and Viruses
The method of killing bacteria and viruses with the use of heat is amazing. Boiling water to produce steam simply makes the atmosphere far too hot — with normal temperatures ranging from 32 – 46°C most microorganisms (other than those that prefer some heat) would struggle to live. It de-nature proteins & enzymes of bacterias, virus changes their structure dysfunctioning it. This is because boiling water actually breaks these organisms apart on a molecular level.
Do hot water kill germs? You bet, it’s that heat making the magic happen. It’s that heat which is doing most of the work. This is why boiling water, hot enough to sterilize but not as scalding as 90 degrees Celsius (197 Fahrenheit) — which helps in literally cutting through and removing germs –is often used for cleaning and sanitation.
The Right Way to Boil Water for Safety
It may seem simple to do, there is a proper way to boil water for safe consumption. Use a clean pot of fresh water to get things going. In a large pot, bring water to rolling boil where you keep seeing bubbles breaking the surface. Boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at altitudes above 6,562 feet).
My favorite way to make this tea was while I traveled, especially in questionable water areas. Ah, the life lesson that a proper boiling of water can save you needing to reboil more often again with gastro issues.
Water Filtration vs. Boiling Water: Which Is Better?
In real, they go well with each other. While boiling water is great for sterilizing against bacteria, and viruses, filtration can remove contaminants that boiling cannot.
I personally use a water filter in conjunction with boiling for the ultimate protection this is particularly necessary when traveling or camping according to my experience. When done in a combination, the water becomes both free of any parasites and bacteria as well as is devoid of all the chemicals or metals that pose risks.
Hot Water Does Aid Cleaning: The Emotional Comfort of Cleanliness
There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing your dishes, clothes, and even your home are truly clean. Do hot water kill germs? Yes, especially when it’s used for washing. Hot water helps to break down oils and dirt, making it easier to wash away germs.
For me, washing dishes in hot water has always been a ritual that brings peace of mind. There’s an emotional comfort in knowing that not only are my dishes free of food residue, but also of any lingering bacteria.
Too Hot for Hand-Washing: A Cautionary Note
Hand-washing under hot water is fine for cleaning, but be gentle. If the water is too hot, it can damage your skin — causing dryness and irritation. The best balance between comfort and effective cleaning is lukewarm water with soap.
How to Sanitize Dishes and Clothes with Boiling Water
Boiling water is a very potent cleaning agent when used to sanitise dishes or clothes. Begin by washing things with soap and boiling water. Boil them in water for at least two minutes after washing. This is how to remove bacteria and even viruses, protecting you from illness.
I frequently use this during the flu season (just as an example), It is the easiest way to kill germs.
Preparing a Bleach Solution: When Boiling Isn’t Enough
Boiling water is not always effective enough if things are highly contaminated. Bleach solution are always a good go for an additional level of disinfection. Dilute with water Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water and allow the items to soak for two minutes.
Wash, Rinse, and Air-Dry Dishes: The Complete Guide
Wash plate in hot soapy water, rinse well and leave to air dry for optimum performance. Allow the gloves to air dry instead of towel drying which can risk contaminating them again.
And I have, since learning that drying dishes with a towel can sometimes put bacteria back onto clean kitchenware. This one small change has made a huge difference in keeping my kitchen free of germs. air-drying dishes to ensure they’re free from bacteria and safe to use.
Final Thoughts: A Personal Experience
When I consider my water journey, for example one time years ago when camping in a tough to reach spot with friends. We got our water from a nice looking stream close by, but it is not considered safe to even drink just any old spring anymore so we were all conscious of the fact that as clean and crystal clear as this stream was one should never take for granted drinking untreated surface water. Late into the night, we would sit around a campfire boiling pot after pot of water to purify for our families. And God knows that peace of mind achieved by keeping ourselves safe from wild bacteria and viruses was worth every second we spent waiting for water to boil.
They are also the most traditional, as boiling water has been used for centuries and with good reason — it works almost all of the time to purify drinking water. Regardless of whether you are at home, or on the go and even in the nature it is hugely important that you know how to boil water properly as well when other methods need to be added.
