How to Set Up a Humidor
Congratulations on getting your first humidor! Whether it was a thoughtful gift or a treat to yourself, you're now ready to keep your cigars fresh and enjoyable whenever your friends drop by. No more hunting for dried-out cigars in your desk drawer! Here’s a friendly guide to setting up your humidor and keeping your cigars in top condition.
What You Need to Set Up a Humidor
Humidification Unit
Hygrometer
Hygrometer Calibration Kit
Propylene Glycol Solution
1 Gallon of Distilled Water
New, Clean Sponge
Glass Dish or Stainless Steel Bowl
Clean Towel or Dish Rag
How Long Does It Take to Season a Humidor?
Seasoning your humidor can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on the materials and size. Some cigar lovers even take up to 2 weeks to ensure it's done gradually and thoroughly.
How to Season a Humidor
Follow these six essential steps to properly season your humidor:
Step 1: Calibrate the Hygrometer
Calibrating your hygrometer is crucial to ensure your humidor functions correctly. This process takes 6 to 8 hours. Follow your hygrometer's instructions for calibration. Whether digital or analog, calibration is necessary. My favorite ready-to-go solution for a small humidor is to use the Mini Hygrometer Thermometer Digital LCD Monitor.
Step 2: Fill the Humidification Unit
Remove the humidification unit from the box and place it in a dish. Fill it with propylene glycol solution (50/50 solution) until it's fully saturated. Shake off any excess solution over a sink and place the humidification unit in your humidor. For crystal-based units, you can use distilled water. Ensure the unit is completely saturated and shake off any excess water.
Step 3: Humidify the Interior
Soak a clean sponge in distilled water, wring it out slightly, and place it in a plastic bag inside the humidor. Close the lid and let it sit for 3 to 5 days, or longer if needed. This helps the interior reach the desired humidity level gradually.
Step 4: Measure the Humidity
After a few days, check the humidity level using your hygrometer. Ideally, it should read between 75% to 80% RH. If needed, refill the humidification unit and re-soak the sponge.
Step 5: Fill Your Humidor with Cigars
Once the humidity is stable, fill your humidor with cigars, keeping it at least half full for consistent conditions. Don’t overfill it; leave about 20% space for air circulation.
Step 6: Perform Regular Maintenance
Regularly check the humidity and refill the humidification unit as needed. Rotate your cigars to ensure even exposure to humidity. Use distilled water or propylene glycol solution for refills, avoiding tap water to prevent mold.
Alternative Ways to Season
Boveda packs offer an easy, efficient way to season your humidor. Use one 84% RH pack for every 25 cigars your humidor can hold. After two weeks, replace the packs with ones that deliver a lower humidity level, like 69% or 72% RH.
How Climate Affects Your Humidor
Keep an eye on your humidor’s humidity levels, especially in dry or changing climates. You may need to adjust your maintenance routine based on the weather.
By following these steps, you'll keep your cigars in perfect condition, ready to enjoy whenever the occasion arises.
