How Can I Lower the Humidity in My Cigar Humidor?
A humidor is usually a wooden box designed to provide the ideal environment for cigar storage. Cigars are manufactured in locations with warm, humid climates, and so they keep their longevity and optimal flavor in a humidor that has a humidity level of about 70 percent. If you have special collections of cigars, carefully monitor and regulate the humidor’s humidity and, if necessary, lower it to preserve your cigars.
When to Lower Humidity
Keep in mind that the ideal humidity range is approximately 68 percent to 72 percent for storing and preserving cigars. This is technically room temperature, which is normally about 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. When purchased, a humidor should come with a hygrometer – a device for measuring the humidity in the box. Maintain the optimal level of humidity by either increasing or decreasing the moisture inside the humidor.
Steps to Lower Humidity
To lower the humidity inside the box, open the humidor and leave it open for about two to three hours. This allows the moisture inside the humidor to decrease as it escapes the box, lowering the humidity. To speed this process, leave the opened humidor under direct sunlight.
Get rid of some of the water content inside the humidor by simply refilling the box less frequently. By constantly refilling the humidor with distilled water, you keep its humidity up. By removing or lessening the water, humidity will decrease.
To further regulate the humidity inside the box, use humidor beads available at cigar shops. These beads function to regulate humidity, usually at 65 percent. Soak the beads in distilled water. Remove excess water and place the beads inside the box. These beads will either absorb the extra moisture or will release the needed amount of moisture to control humidity.
How to Maintain Humidity
To maintain and regulate humidity, make sure your hygrometer is functioning well. Replace it with a new one if you have to.
The humidor comes with a small humidifier, which you can add distilled water to if you wish to increase moisture.
Consistently monitor the humidity as indicated on the hygrometer at least every two weeks. Add more distilled water when the humidity level drops to 65 percent.
If the humidity is too low, add propylene glycol. Mix one part distilled water to one part propylene glycol. Propylene glycol acts as a mold and bacteria inhibitor. Simply add more water to increase humidity up to 70 percent.
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Alexis Writing has many years of freelance writing experience. She has written for a variety of online destinations, including Peternity.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Rochester.
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