Hobbies And Interests
Re-humidify First
An essential part of keeping your cigars fresh is re-humidifying the humidor before storing your cigars. The reason for this it to make sure you get a proper balance of heat and moisture of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 72 percent humidity. Lacking this proper balance will dry out the cigars rather than preserve them.
You accomplish this by placing a shot glass of distilled water in the bottom of the humidor. Do not use any other type of water as chemicals in any other water can damaged your cigars. Put your charged humidifier inside the humidor along with the hygrometer. Close the lid and check periodically until the humidity level reaches between 68% and 72%. Make sure you do not wipe the inside with water as this can cause significant damage to the cedar. Make sure you place your humidor in a location that maintains a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Understanding Your Hygrometer
There is not a perfect setting for the humidity levels inside the humidor, but rather a desirable range that will keep cigars fresh. The humidity level will fluctuate, but as long of your hygrometer records levels ranging from 66 to 79 percent, the cigars will be properly preserved. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to maintain a constant reading of 70 percent to keep the cigars fresh. To make sure you get a accurate reading, place the hygrometer inside the humidor where you can see it from the outside, but where air can flow around it without interruption.
Understanding the Humidifier
Your humidifier is the device that keeps the humidity inside the humidor. You will need to wet, but not soak, the humidifier before placing it inside the humidor. Make sure you use only distilled water to accomplish this. You should wipe off any excess water and place it back into your humidor. Once completed, you can use the humidor. You will need to open the humidor at least twice a week and rotate the cigars.
Taking Care of Your Humidor
Your humidor is a fragile piece of equipment and requires good care and attention. You should never place the humidor in direct sunlight or in a place where someone might knock it over. You should never place objects on top of the humidor and should clean it regularly with furniture polish. Always use a lint-free cloth to wipe inside the humidor, but not one wet with water.