It is important to maintain your humidor below the maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and between 65-74% humidity. Ideal conditions are 70°F (21°C) and 70% humidity. A digital hygrometer/thermometer is always better control the temperature and relative humidity of your humidor.
Check the humidity level at least twice a month to ensure that the lever humidity does not become a problem. When the humidity level drops to 65% you should add distilled water to the humidifier. Use only distilled water!! You should never use tap water as it contains minerals and chlorine that can clog the humidifier’s pores and inhibit operation. Add a few drops of distilled water to the humidifier until well saturated.
Store your humidor in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth. Avoid placing your humidor in direct sunlight. If the temperature and humidity get too high, cigars can develop a potentially damaging fungus or mold or a tobacco beetle infestation. When placing cigars in the humidor, make sure the cigars do not block the humidifier’s vents.
Activation Solution
A 50/50 Activation Solution is a solution that contains 50% propylene glycol and 50% distilled water. Propylene glycol works in two ways: it will both humidify and absorb excess humidity in your humidor. It also acts as a bacterial and mold inhibitor. The frequency with which you need to charge your humidor with the solution varies depending on your climate, approximately every 1-3 months, but in some climates every 6 months will suffice. In between you should just add distilled water to your humidifier.
When it is time to recharge your humidifier with 50/50 activation solution, you should first rinse the humidifier with distilled water and let it dry out. This will eliminate any propylene glycol that has not evaporated. Now you can add more 50/50 activation solution.
Hygrometer Calibration
Every once in a while you should test the calibration of your hygrometer to check if it is reading correctly. You may do this using the salt method below:
Place some salt in a bottle cap or small cup and dampen it with a few drops of water (without dissolving it).
Carefully place the wet salt and the hygrometer inside a see-through container and close tightly. You can use a zip lock bag provided it seals well and you leave some air inside as well.
Let it sit for at least 6 hours and note the reading on the hygrometer without opening the container. It should be exactly 75%, the difference is how much your hygrometer is off.
If needed, adjust the needle to 75% by turning the screw on the back.
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