It never ceases to amaze me how common it is for people to have problems with their humidors - particularly new and expensive ones. Recently, I was approached by a gentlemen who had recently acquired a beautifully constructed humidor worth several thousand dollars. It was a gift, but like most humidors sold on the market (whether they are costly models or not), it did not come with instructions on how to properly season it.
Seasoning a humidor is a crucial and necessary step ensure your brand new humidor functions properly - no matter how nice, how expensive etc. The inside of the humidor is usually lined with Spanish cedar, or in some cases mahogany. The reason these woods are used to line the inside of the humidor is they hold humidity well, and both woods contain a natural anti-fungal agent that resists mold. In any case, this wood has been kiln dried, and if you simply fill up the humidification device, this kiln dried wood would suck up all the moisture.
In order to properly season a humidor, you need to obtain distilled water, and a brand new sponge. Distilled water should always be used in the humidification device to prevent buildup. Saturate the sponge, and wipe down all the interior wood with the sponge. Don’t be shy, but wipe all exposed interior wood generously. Fill up the humidification device according to the specifications, and saturate the sponge once more. Take the sponge, place it inside the humidor, close the lid, and let it sit for 24 hours. Take the sponge out , and wipe down the interior wood one more time. Refill the humidification device and now your humidor is fully seasoned. This is how a desktop humidor that contains a passive humidification device works: the Spanish cedar, or (mahogany) retains the humidity, and the humidification device replenishes the moisture in the wood. So be sure you properly season your humidor to make sure it works!
Article comments
1 - ChristianV
I have a humidor which I properly seasoned upon purchase which was about 2 years ago. However, I haven't recharged the humidification sponge for the past year and a half.
I'd like to get back into it. Do you recommend I re-season my humidor? Or just fill the sponge and see if it maintains at the desired humidity level?
2 - matthew Rosen
If you have used your humidor for two years, the answer most definitely is yes, you do need to re-season it.
3 - Cigar Jack
Look around for Boveda Humidity Packets they come in several levels of humidity. They even have one designed for seasoning a humidor and it comes with clear instructions.
4 - GregS
here you will find very detailled information about seasoning humidors
5 - PJS
I've heard that using a sponge to season a humidor is wrong and that instead you should season your humidor by re-charging the humidifing device until the humidity reaches the desired level. This process takes longer (2-3 weeks) but it won't warp the wood of the humidor. Thoughts?
6 - matthew Rosen
I do not think you could ever properly season a humidor simply by just re-filling the humidification device. The sponge is the easiest, and most effective way, in my opinion....
7 - Brandon Moore
What is an optimal range for humidity?
8 - Matthew Rosen
Take a look at my post on the "Relative Humidity Myth":
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/03/31/175339.php
9 - Cigarbutts
The Optimal range for humidity is at leat 70%. Some people prefer it higher but that is the normal humidity level for a humidor.
10 - Fumble
Proper humidity level depends on temperature. I'm sure someone knows the algorithm. But the general consensus is 70/70 (70% humidity at 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
11 - Ounceman
I've found that 65% RH is much better than 70%. When in doubt, keep it slightly below 70% with a temp between 64-70 ish. If you get much higher than 70/70 you run the risk of beetles!
12 - harry
Yes the sponge will help expedite the process, although I would take at least a week before adding stogies. Wipe down all the interior wood, add on trays or shelves with the sponge and distilled water to stain the wood, then leave the sponse in a dish or on cellophane as you don't want any puddles or droplets, just stained. ABout 80% humidity is OK after a few days before setting the humidifer to at least 70% so that the humididor is equalizing to the humidifer. Taking your time and wiping it down two or three times is better as the humidifer will be sucked dry and then so will your sticks
13 - Luke911
Hi I'v been trying to season my humidor for thepast week or so but the meter wont go above 60 % ( at best) shall I keep on going ? or is there another possible problem ?
I thought about a faulty meter but it's a brand new humidor from a reknown cigar store....please help
14 - Mike
whenever you get a hygrometer you should always calibrate it, i thinks that's your problem, just rap it in a damp paper towel for 30 min then let it rest for another 30.
15 - John
Calibrate a hydrometer by the salt and bag method...75% exactly is what you'll read when using salt. (This chemistry never changes)