The right humidity and temperature
A humidor keeps the air humid and the temperature stable. The guide values differ a little between sources, but they are close:
- Humidity: about 65 to 72% relative humidity.
- Temperature: about 16 to 21 °C.
A few percent more or less is no problem. What matters more is that the values do not swing much.
Preparing a new humidor
The cedar wood inside is dry when you buy it. If you put cigars in straight away, the wood draws moisture out of them. So first moisten a new wooden humidor. Manufacturers give two ways to do it:
- Wipe the inside lightly with a cloth dampened with distilled water, then put a small glass of distilled water in the closed humidor. After one to three days it is ready.
- Or put in packs that moisten the wood and leave the humidor closed for about two weeks.
Never make the wood wet: too much water can warp it. Always follow your humidor's manual.
Filling the humidifier
- Use distilled water, never tap water. Tap water holds minerals that clog the humidifier and can affect the smell.
- A sponge humidifier can also take a solution of propylene glycol and distilled water (half and half), in turn with distilled water.
- There are also packs that release and absorb moisture themselves. You add nothing: you replace them when they turn hard.
Check the hygrometer regularly and top up when the humidity drops.
Checking the hygrometer
A hygrometer measures the humidity in your humidor. A digital one is easier to read. An analogue one is best checked once a year.
Use the salt test: dampen a little table salt with a few drops of water, without dissolving it. Put it with the hygrometer in a well-closed box and wait at least 8 to 24 hours. An accurate hygrometer then reads 75%. If it is off, adjust it or remember the difference.
Where to put a humidor?
- In a room with a stable temperature, out of direct sunlight and away from the heating.
- Not in the fridge: it is drier than you think and cigars pick up smells there.
- Open the humidor now and then to let fresh air in.
- Move the cigars around now and then: those near the humidifier get more moisture.
If something goes wrong
- Mould or bloom: a light grey or white powder that wipes off easily without a stain is not mould. Blue-green spots that stick are. Take those cigars out, clean the humidor with a dry cloth and clean or replace the humidifier.
- Tobacco beetles: they mostly appear when it gets too warm and too humid. So keep the temperature below about 21 °C.
- Cigars that are too dry: bring them back to humidity very gradually. If it goes too fast, the wrapper can crack.
Cleaning a humidor
Do not use cleaning products inside: the smell is hard to get out and the wood absorbs it. A dry cloth is enough. Clean the outside like any other furniture.
Frequently asked questions
What humidity should a humidor have?
About 65 to 72% relative humidity, at about 16 to 21 °C. A few percent more or less is no problem, as long as the values stay stable.
How do you prepare a new humidor?
Wipe the inside lightly with a cloth dampened with distilled water and put a small glass of distilled water in the closed humidor. After one to three days it is ready. Never make the wood wet.
Which water do you use in a humidor?
Distilled water, or for a sponge humidifier also a solution of propylene glycol and distilled water. Never tap water.
How do you check a hygrometer?
With the salt test: damp table salt with the hygrometer in a closed box, at least 8 to 24 hours. An accurate hygrometer then reads 75%.
Can you keep cigars in the fridge?
No: a fridge is too dry and cigars pick up smells there.
