How To Eliminate Chlorine From Tap Water

So, last week, I filled a glass from the tap, took a big gulp, and immediately felt like I was drinking from a public pool. You know that smell? That sharp, almost chemical twang that makes you wonder if you’re hydrating or disinfecting your insides. I stared at the water like it had personally offended me, and that’s when I decided: chlorine had to go.

Chlorine is added to tap water for a good reason—to kill bacteria and keep us safe. But honestly? The taste is a dealbreaker, and the vapor from a hot shower isn’t doing your skin or lungs any favors. So, let’s turn your tap water from a swimming pool reject into something you actually want to drink.

The Easiest Hack: Let It Breathe

Here’s the simplest trick: pour your tap water into a pitcher and leave it in the fridge for a few hours. Chlorine is volatile—it evaporates like a drama queen leaving the party. Twenty-four hours is the sweet spot for most of it to vanish, but even overnight makes a huge difference.

I do this every night, and by morning, the water tastes flat and clean. No bubbles, no weird aftertaste—just liquid that won’t make you wince. Side note: if you leave it out on the counter instead of the fridge, it works faster (heat helps), but then you’re drinking lukewarm water. Your call.

Boil It, Baby

If you’re impatient—and who isn’t?—just boil your water for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat forces chlorine gas to fizz out like a fizzy drink gone wrong. It’s not a perfect solution (you lose a bit of water volume), but it’s fast and uses tools you already own.

I do this when I need water for cooking pasta or tea. Just let it cool down in a clean container, and bam—chlorine-free water without any fancy gadgets. One caveat: boiling concentrates other stuff like minerals, so don’t do this for every sip of your day.

The Secret Weapon: Vitamin C

Okay, this sounds like science fiction, but it’s real: vitamin C neutralizes chlorine instantly. Drop a tiny pinch of ascorbic acid powder (you can buy it cheap online) into a gallon of water, swirl it, and the chlorine is gone within seconds. It’s the same stuff in lemons, but cheaper and less tangy.

Chlorine Water

I keep a little jar in my kitchen and use a smidge for my morning water bottle. It also works for shower water—add it to your bath or a shower filter for whole-body relief. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll stop smelling like a bleach factory.

Activated Carbon Filters

Let’s talk hardware. A pitcher filter with activated carbon (like Brita or Pur) is the most user-friendly option. Carbon adsorbs chlorine like a sponge, and it catches other nasty stuff too—like lead and sediment. It’s not perfect for every contaminant, but for chlorine? It’s a beast.

I use one, and honestly, the water tastes better than bottled. Just remember to change the cartridge every two months, or it becomes a bacteria hotel. Nobody wants that. Trust me—I forgot once, and my water tasted like old socks.

Reverse Osmosis: The Heavy Lifter

For the overachievers: reverse osmosis systems remove nearly all chlorine (and everything else). They’re pricey (around $200–$500) and take up counter space, but the water comes out pure, like you bought it from a mountain spring. It’s a bit wasteful on water (about 3 gallons wasted for every 1 filtered), but the taste is unbeatable.

I installed one under my sink last year, and it’s a game-changer for cooking, coffee, and even watering my plants. But it’s overkill if you just want to swim in less chemical-tasting water. Start with the fridge trick first.

The importance of Pipe Chlorination and Dechlorination | Plumbers in

Don’t Forget Your Shower

Here’s a weird truth: your skin and hair soak up chlorine too. A hot shower vaporizes chlorine into steam, which you then breathe into your lungs. If you have dry skin or frizzy hair, the tap might be the culprit. Get a cheap showerhead filter—they cost like $30 and screw on in minutes.

I tried one from Amazon, and now my showers smell like nothing but warm rain. Finally, no more red eyes or itchy scalp. You can also use a bucket with vitamin C crystals for a bath—just toss a teaspoon in and soak like royalty.

The Ironic Truth

And here’s the kicker: after all this effort, I still drink tap water at restaurants without complaining. Why? Because chlorine is a lifesaver—it prevents cholera and typhoid, so I’m not about to trash it. The goal isn’t to be paranoid; it’s to enjoy your water without tasting the chemistry set.

So, experiment with the methods above. Start with an overnight pitcher, add a pinch of vitamin C, or splurge on a filter. Your taste buds (and your skin) will send you a thank-you card. And if you ever feel ridiculous for obsessing over water—remember, you’re just treating yourself to a basic, clean human right.

Cheers. Now go drink something that doesn’t smell like a swimming pool.