subject: What Are Humidification Beads? [print this page] Humidor humidification beads provide a way for you to regulate the moisture in your cigar box or storage room. They are a very simple and cost-effective solution that offers a buffer effect to the humidity. They are not quite as common as sponges and electronic humidity control, but they are sometimes even more effective than those methods.
Humidification beads can regulate moisture by absorbing or releasing moisture. They are calibrated and those used in a cigar box will be made to provide between 60 and 70 percent humidity. These beads work entirely off of distilled water; there are no harsh chemicals involved.
The way you get these beads ready to use will depend upon your climate. Low humidity climates mean that you'll be using the beads to add moisture to the air. High humidity environments mean that you'll be removing moisture from the air. The amount of times you open the door to your humidity-controlled box or room will also play a role in how you go about getting these beads ready for use. You will have to add or remove humidity from the beads, depending upon your specific situation.
It's easy to tell how much moisture is in the air where the beads are placed. When these beads are saturated with water, they appear clear. The beads are white when they're absent any moisture or when the moisture levels are very low. This makes it quite easy to tell what state they're in. Silica beads are very popular and are used in very sensitive situations. They are used in museums, for instance, to provide a controlled environment. Most often, you purchase one-pound bags of these beads. They're usually made to provide regulation for five cubic feet of space per one pound of beads. The beads are easy to use. To set them up, you simply place them in a shallow container. Spray them with distilled water, just enough to get them wet, and then put them in the container or the room.
If you notice the beads turning white, give them another spray of distilled water. These beads are very simple devices and they don't lose their effectiveness over time. They can literally provide a lifetime of usage and they require no maintenance and do not need to be replaced.. These beads are among the easiest ways to make sure that the moisture levels in your case or your room is properly regulated.
