How to Activate Your Humidor

Determine if the inside of the humidor has been varnished or sealed in any way. If the manufacturer's product information does not specify this feature, contact the retailer to verify. Humidors with sealed interiors do not require seasoning.

Wet a new, unused kitchen sponge in distilled water. The sponge should be damp but not dripping. Never use tap water in a humidor. The minerals and chemicals will build up on the inside of the humidor and the humidifier reducing the overall efficiency. Do not substitute paper towels or cloth for the sponge. These fabrics will leave a lint trail that cannot be removed.

Wipe down all exposed surfaces in the humidor including all sides of trays, dividers and the inside surface of the lid. The surfaces should be damp without any standing water. Soak up any drips or puddles.

Re-wet the sponge as in Step 2 and set it on top of a plastic bag inside the humidor. Do not set the damp sponge directly on the woods surface. The excessive water could cause the wood to warp.

Remove the humidifier from the humidor and set it aside.

Close the humidor lid, and allow it to sit for 1 to 2 hours.

Prepare the humidifier according to the manufacture's instructions. Wipe any excess water off the outside of the humidifier, and allow the humidifier to rest for 30 minutes before installing.

Install the humidifier in the humidor according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Leave the sponge in the humidor. Close the humidor lid and allow the humidor to season for 24 hours.

Check the humidifier and the sponge. Refill the humidifier, if necessary. If you press on the sponge and water swells to the surface, do not add water to the sponge. Re-wet the sponge if it is dry.

Close the lid and season the humidor for another 24 hours.

Remove the sponge. Refill the humidifier, as necessary.