How to Keep Humidity Up in Cigar Humidor

Maintaining a proper level of humidity in a humidor keeps your cigars in top shape. If the humidity is too high, mold can grow. If it is too low, cigars dry out and fall apart. The optimum humidity level is between 65 percent and 75 percent. A basic humidification system comprises three parts: the humidor (most often made with untreated Spanish cedar); a humidifier; and a hygrometer to measure the humidity level. But before putting any of your smokes in the humidor, be sure it is properly "seasoned."

Things You'll Need

• Humidor
• Distilled water
• New, clean sponge
• Plastic bag
• Humidifier
• Hygrometer
• Cigars

Instructions

Seasoning

1. Soak a new, clean sponge in distilled water. Make sure it is unscented and does not contain soap.

2. Wipe all untreated wood in the humidor with the sponge, including trays and dividers.

3. Soak the sponge again in distilled water. Place the sponge on top of a plastic sandwich-type bag on the bottom of the humidor. Close the lid and let it sit overnight.

4. Check the sponge the next day. If it is dry, soak it again in distilled water, put it back in the humidor, close the lid and let it sit one more night. If the sponge is still moist, close the lid and let it sit one more night.

5. Remove sponge and attach the hygrometer to the lid.

Charging humidifier

1. Fill the humidifier with distilled water through the vent holes. If the humidor has more than one humidifier, charge all of them. The humidifier should be thoroughly moistened but not saturated.

2. Place humidifier(s) upside-down on a clean, absorbent cloth for about 30 minutes.

3. Put humidifier(s) back into humidor and close lid. Some humidors have established locations for the humidifier. Others allow you to attach it where you want. Follow the instructions that came with the humidor.

4. Wait while the humidor sits overnight. Check the hygrometer. The humidity level ideally should be at 70 percent, though a few percentage points either way is in the safe zone. If the humidity is too high, open the lid for a few hours. If it is too low, add more distilled water to the humidifier(s)

5. Put cigars in humidor.

Maintaining humidity

1. Check the hygrometer periodically.

2. Recharge humidifier(s) with distilled water if humidity drops 2 to 3 percentage points below desired humidity level.

3. Open the lid for a few hours if the humidity becomes too high.

Tips & Warnings

• Most cigar shops sell a humidifier gel, which is a a propylene glycol solution that can be used to charge humidifiers. It maintains the humidity longer than distilled water. Distilled water must still be used for the initial seasoning of the humidor.

• Do not use tap water to charge humidifiers. It contains chlorine and minerals that can clog humidifier vents.

References

• CigarExtras.com: Humidor Care
• Neptune Cigar: Humidor Care and Instructions
• Humidors Online: Humidor Care