William Sommerwerck wrote:
Distilled water is a really strong solvent, it just seems harmless
as it doesn't burn your skin off and smell bad like other stuff.

What is the chemical reason for the potency of pure water?

If it's not already filled with minerals or salts as all normal water is,
it will absorb them from whatever it touches- if they're soluble in water.

There's quite a bit of stuff dissolved in tap water- enough to ruin lead
acid batteries, leave water spots on glasses and photographic film and to
destroy electronics if left to dry in place.