subject: The Right Way To Humidify Cigars [print this page] Among the most commonly acquired cigar accessories is the humidor, but this purchase isn't complete unless a hygrometer and a humidifier are also installed somewhere inside. The thing about the two additional devices is that they work together to help the owner manage the conditions inside of the box, but they cannot work properly if they aren't set up correctly.
What is the solution to the problem? Even if you purchased a box that was "pre-seasoned" you absolutely must check the humidity level with a properly calibrated hygrometer to ensure that the conditions are suitable for cigar storage. All hygrometers have their manufacturer's recommended method for calibration and it is vitally important that this process be performed before inserting the device into a new box. Once it is in the box it should be left there for at least a full week to become balanced.
Where the humidifier is concerned, the contents must be limited to two specific substances - PG (Propylene Glycol) and distilled water. While most cigar enthusiasts will automatically obtain the PG without question, many wonder why distilled water is so necessary and why ordinary tap water cannot suffice. The answer is actually very simple - tap water and even filtered or bottled waters will all come with additional minerals or chemicals. These substances will then interfere the PG and its important functions.
How is that? Let's say you put tap water into your humidifier and then added the PG. The PG will develop its desired film across the surface of the water, and this film will function in two vital ways. First it will prevent the water below from evaporating too rapidly into the humidor's interior space. Second, it will also take excess water out of the air and automatically keep the conditions at somewhat optimal levels in that way too. If the water is tap water the many chemicals and minerals will become trapped beneath the surface of the PG's film and prevent the water from dissipating at the desired rate.
In addition to being free of particles that can interfere with the humidifier, distilled water is also germ and bacteria free too. This makes it a good solution to use as a preliminary spray or rub on the interior surface of the humidor as well. For example, many new humidors may be sold as "pre-seasoned" but are far too dry upon arrival. The owner can simply take a brand new sponge and a bottle of distilled water and carefully wipe down the surface to rehydrate it. Once this is done they can take a properly calibrated hygrometer and leave the box in place for a few days. Should the humidity levels remain too low they can repeat the wipe down process until the wood has absorbed enough water to maintain a steady level of humidity.
