Humidor Fails: Why Your Cigar Humidity is Dropping

A well-maintained humidor is essential for preserving the quality and flavor of your cigars. However, many cigar enthusiasts face a common issue: their humidors are not keeping humidity at the optimal level. If you find that your humidor is struggling to maintain a consistent humidity level of 70-75%, read on to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem.

There could be several reasons why your humidor is not keeping humidity. Let's dive into the most common causes and solutions to help you keep your cigars in their prime condition.

Insufficient or Excessive Humidity Source

At the heart of a functioning humidor lies the humidity source. This could be a humidification solution like distilled water or a nursery humidifier. If the humidity source is insufficient, your humidor won't be able to maintain its intended humidity level.

Conversely, an excess of humidity can also cause issues in your humidor. Too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage your cigars and compromise their quality. It's crucial to find the right balance.

Using Inappropriate Humidity Solution

One common mistake cigar enthusiasts make is using tap water as a humidification solution. Tap water often contains minerals and salts that can accelerate mold growth and cause damage to your cigars. Always use distilled or deionized water in your humidor.

Another inappropriate solution is using plants, such as moss or parrot's beak. While they may seem like a natural and convenient way to regulate humidity, they can introduce mold and bacteria into your humidor, which is detrimental to your cigars.

Not Renewing the Humidity Source Regularly

Even distilled water eventually evaporates and loses its effectiveness in maintaining humidity. If you're not renewing your humidity source regularly, it may not be providing the moisture your cigars need to stay fresh. A good rule of thumb is to renew your humidity solution every 7-15 days.

For Boveda humidifiers and pouches, you'll know it's time for a replacement when they turn from green to white. For other humidity sources, check the humidity level in your humidor regularly to ensure it's properly maintaining the desired level.

Humidor Not Sealed Properly

A poorly sealed humidor is a prime candidate for not keeping humidity. Humidor seals can degrade over time, leading to improper sealing and rapid humidity loss. Regularly inspect your humidor's seal to ensure it's creating an airtight environment.

If your humidor's seal is compromised, you can replace it with a new one, or consider using a humidor gasket kit to ensure a tight seal. Additionally, ensure that your humidor's lid is properly aligned and is closing tightly without any gaps.

Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature also plays a crucial role in maintaining humidity. If the temperature around your humidor fluctuates significantly, it can cause the humidity level to fluctuate as well. This is because humidity and temperature are directly related; as temperature increases, humidity decreases, and vice versa.

Ideally, your humidor should be stored in an environment where the temperature remains as consistent as possible. This is typically between 65-72°F (18-22°C) for most cigar types. Avoid placing your humidor in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as these can cause significant temperature fluctuations.

Humidor Not Being Seasoned or Accidentally Jarred

Before using a new humidor, it's crucial to season it by applying a thin layer of humidor solution or humidor conditioner to the interior and letting it sit for 24-48 hours. This helps the wood absorb moisture and prevents it from leaching humidity away from your cigars. Forgetting to season a new humidor can lead to improper humidity retention.

Even after seasoning, humidor wood can still absorb humidity with use. If your humidor's interior becomes too dry, it may start leaching humidity from your cigars, causing them to dry out. Additionally, accidents like knocking over or jarring the humidor can also displace the humidity source and cause a disruption in humidity levels.

Regularly monitoring and maintaining your humidor is key to keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful. Don't let a poorly performing humidor dampen your cigar-enjoying experience. With a little troubleshooting and regular upkeep, you can ensure your humidor is always keeping humidity at the optimal levels.