How To Activate a Humidor
What is a Humidor?
A humidor is a humidity-controlled box or room used primarily for storing cigars, cigarettes, cannabis, or pipe tobacco.
How To Activate a Humidor
- Do not rinse the inside of your humidor with water.
- Insert a humidification device.
- Fill a plastic cup or dish with water and place it inside the humidor.
- Check the humidity inside the humidor in 24 hours.
- Do not add any cigars to your new humidor until the relative humidity reaches 65% to 70%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you activate a cigar humidor?
Guide to Setting up Your Humidor Correctly
- Place a shot glass filled with distilled water or our humidification solution in the bottom of the humidor.
- Charge your humidifier and place inside the humidor.
- Place your calibrated hygrometer inside the humidor.
- Close the lid.
- Check the humidity daily using the hygrometer.
How do you humidify a humidor quickly?
If you use a traditional humidification device, find a Tupperware container and place a sponge inside. Fill the container about halfway with distilled water and place it inside the humidor. Close the top of the humidor, and leave alone for a day.
What keeps a humidor humid?
Put distilled water or propylene glycol solution in your humidification device and install it in your humidor. Keep an eye on your humidor for a couple of days to make sure it has leveled off around 70% (plus or minus 5%) so you can begin storing your cigars in it.
What is the activation solution for humidors?
The Activation or Propylene Glycol Solution is a solution that contains a mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water. Propylene glycol is a two-way humidification device that works in two ways: it will both humidify and absorb excess humidity in your humidor. It also acts as a bacterial and mold inhibitor.
How long does it take for a humidor to be ready?
The amount of time it takes to season your humidor can vary a bit based on the materials the box is made of, the humidification method, and the size of the humidor. For most humidors, the process takes 3 to 5 days.
Why isn’t my humidor working?
The top things to check include: Is this a new humidor? Perhaps the wood hasn’t stabilized. It will take up to 5 to 6 weeks for new, dry wood to absorb enough moisture to be able to keep the interior humidity up at 70%.
How long does it take a humidor to reach humidity?
How Long Does It Take to Season a Humidor? The amount of time it takes to season your humidor can vary a bit based on the materials the box is made of, the humidification method, and the size of the humidor. For most humidors, the process takes 3 to 5 days.
Do cigars go bad if not in a humidor?
Technically, cigars won’t spoil or go stale, but they can dry out due to a lack of humidity, or they can become moldy if they’re over-humidified or exposed to bacteria. As long as you store your cigars in the appropriate conditions – 70% RH (relative humidity) and 70 degrees Fahrenheit – you can age them indefinitely.
How often should I wet my humidor?
It will also depend on your personal habits. If you open your humidor several times a day it will require refilling more often than if you open it once every week. As a rule of thumb you should add distilled water to your humidifier about once a month and 50/50 solution every 2-3 months. Never use tap water.
Why is my humidor not holding humidity?
Avoid storing your humidor in direct sunlight or near a heat source. Continual exposure to light and heat will cause the humidity to evaporate inside the box, and your cigars will lose humidity as a result.