Properly Seasoning a New Humidor

[N2Advnture]

To Properly Season A Humidor:

In regards to seasoning, it's pretty simple. Most people think that you should wipe down the interior with water and you're done but I DO NOT recommend this for two reasons. 1.) It does not provide enough moisture to properly season the humidor 2.) It can warp the wood in the humidor.

New wood will draw moisture until it reaches its saturation point, so to properly season your humidor, simply place a large bowl of distilled water into the humidor and keep it closed for 7-14 days. This will allow the dry wood to absorb as much moisture as it can hold. By doing this, you will have a more stable environment for your cigars and reduce the chances of the dry wood absorbing moisture from your cigars. Patience is key to ensure that your new humidor is properly seasoned.

While your waiting for the humidor to season, purchase and calibrate a digital hygrometer. You'll save yourself some headache in the long run.

I hope this helps and happy smoking!

~Mark

.

[CSTibby]

Great thread! There are a ton of ways people suggest to season a humidor, but you break it down to the basics: The why of seasoning.

[Confederado]

I bought a humidor about a month ago and followed all of the instructions for seasoning that came with it, but the hygrometer is still hovering around 52%. It never got higher than around 62 - 65 when I was calibrating it, and the instructions said it should read 75%. I suppose I should try again? In the meantime, what's the best way to store my cigars while it's seasoning?

[icehog3]

A tupperware container should keep your cigars fine for a short time w/o added humidifcation, or indefinitely with.

Is your hygrometer analog or digital? The analog hygrometers are notoriously inaccurate.

[N2Advnture]

I bought a humidor about a month ago and followed all of the instructions for seasoning that came with it, but the hygrometer is still hovering around 52%. It never got higher than around 62 - 65 when I was calibrating it, and the instructions said it should read 75%. I suppose I should try again? In the meantime, what's the best way to store my cigars while it's seasoning?

What was the procedure they suggested for seasoning? Many times, they simply say to wipe it down with a sponge but that is not nearly effective enough and if don't improperly, could lead to a bad seal on the humidor.

Like Ice suggested, if using an analog, you'll want to salt test it to make sure it's calibrated (that goes for digital as well for that matter).

Since the hygrometer is our only visual indicator for what the exact RH level is inside the humidor, I recommend calibrating your digital hygrometer twice a year and replacing the battery annually (weak batteries can give a false reading as well).

Most hygrometers are off, typically +/- 2-4% by sometimes by as much at 10-12%.

1.) How to Test and Calibrate a Hygrometer:

A. Fill a small container with salt (milk bottle cap or ketchup cup works well)

B. Add a few drops of distilled water. NOT enough to dissolve the salt, just enough to moisten it. You want the mixture to be thick and pasty.

C. Put the cap inside of an air tight zip lock bag or plastic container along with your hygrometer. Then seal the bag or container. (Tupperware works well).

D. Wait 24 hours, then check the reading on your hygrometer without opening the bag or container (or quickly open the container and check if the container is not clear).


If the reading is 75%, then your hygrometer is accurate and no adjustment is required.

If the reading is not precisely 75%, then you will just have to remember to add or subtract the difference between the test reading and 75%, in order to determine the actual humidity level inside of your humidor.

For example, if your hygrometer test reading was 80%, then subtract 5% from the readings you get when the hygrometer is inside of your humidor to determine the actual levels of humidity.

(e.g. a reading of 70% inside your humidor equals an actual humidity
level of 65%).

Writing the +/- percentage on a piece of tape or small post it note and
affixing it to the hygrometer works well.

2.) Properly seasoning your humidor is critical. If the new wood is not properly seasoned, it will continue to absorb moisture from the RH Beads until the wood has reached it saturation point. To properly season, simply place a bowl of distilled water in the humidor and leave it closed for 7-14 days.

3.) Performance may also depend on your ambient humidity, how frequently you open and close you humidor, how well the seal of the humidor is and how often you add new cigars (drier ambient humidity introduced into your relative environment may reduce the RH level temporarily and new cigars may absorb some moisture if at a lower RH level than that of your humidor).


I hope this helps

~Mark

[Dave128]

Very good tips. Thank you.

[Confederado]

Mark, the instructions that came with my humidor were pretty much the same as what you told me, except they said to use a shot glass instead of a bowl, and didn't specify an amount of time (I did it for about a week). I started re-calibrating my hygrometer last night around 11:00 pm. It's been stuck at 60% since about 7 this morning. I guess I'm going to have to go digital. For the amount of money I paid for this thing, I expected perfection. :( Thanks for your help!

[EricF]

What Mark states above is very true and accurate! The only thing I might add is if you want to speed up the seasoning process alittle place a new, clean sponge (one that is wrung out with distilled water and place it on a saucer in the humi. This will give you more surface area for the water to evaporate. The sponge should be fully saturated. After that throw in your humidification device(s) and enjoy!

[pektel]

Hell, I didn't even use a sponge. I just folded up a paper towel and stuck it in the bowl of distilled water. Worked just fine, and a lot faster than just a bowl of water.

[mikethegoalie32]

Does one need to season a humidor after a certain amount of time, or is first time all?
I bought my humidor within the last two years. Winter seasons see me having great difficulty maintaining humidity in it. I have a rather large humidor for a beginner (around space for at least 1000 cigars) but will only have about 60 in it within a week. I use the gel capsules and find in winter I really struggle to keep it at 70% and normally find me dropping in the mid to low 60s... how can I fix this?

[T.G]

Two things:
Too much empty space can make it difficult to maintain a set RH. For only 60 cigars, a 1000 count humidor is way overkill. A smaller humidor or lots more cigars would help to achieve a more stable humidity reading.

Second, low-mid 60%RH is great. You'll probably find that your cigars burn better and have more pronounced flavors at the lower RH.

[Emjaysmash]

Does one need to season a humidor after a certain amount of time, or is first time all?
I bought my humidor within the last two years. Winter seasons see me having great difficulty maintaining humidity in it. I have a rather large humidor for a beginner (around space for at least 1000 cigars) but will only have about 60 in it within a week. I use the gel capsules and find in winter I really struggle to keep it at 70% and normally find me dropping in the mid to low 60s... how can I fix this?

One would be to get more cigars. Cigar help maintain an even, constant humidity. Seeing as you fill only about 6% of that humi, the other 94% could be filled with cigar boxes or spanish cedar to help buffer it a little.
Winter has been notoriously bad for me with humidity. Keep your humi away from windows and doors, as the change in ambient temp can make your RH fluctuate.

Also, do you have any glass tops or door to your humi? Humidity can leak through the seam between the glass and the wood.

[mikethegoalie32]

Ok, 65% is very consistent for me in winter, and 70% is more consistent in summer... This makes me happy!
More cigars will be added very soon. 50 coming back from Cuba, and at least another 50 for XMAS.
And yes I do have both a door and glass all around. But if im around 65% and thats normal I think my seal is solid. Should in the future the seal be weak, how does one fix it?

[T.G]

Should in the future the seal be weak, how does one fix it?

Blue masking tape! :tu


Seriously, it depends on the type of seal and how it's leaking and where (door or glass for example). There are lots of different possibilities and combinations there, so I'd say cross that bridge when and if you get to it.

[mikethegoalie32]

I am so happy I found this website! I was thinking far worse than that lol. You guys and gals are life savers!

[bobarian]

An easy way to check your seal is to open the top about 3 inches and let it go. You should hear a "whooshing" sound as the top closes. If it slams shut with a bang, then you need to check your seal. Put a dollar bill(or whatever goofy money you use up there :D) between the top and the bottom in several places. If you find a spot where it slides out easily, then use the magic blue(painters)tape to seal. :2

[CigarNut]

An easy way to check your seal is to open the top about 3 inches and let it go. You should hear a "whooshing" sound as the top closes. If it slams shut with a bang, then you need to check your seal. Put a dollar bill(or whatever goofy money you use up there :D) between the top and the bottom in several places. If you find a spot where it slides out easily, then use the magic blue(painters)tape to seal. :2Make sure to use paper money and not any of those dollar (or two dollar) coins :)

[mikethegoalie32]

Sounds good, will do that tonight for sure!

[mikethegoalie32]

So checked the seal of the door, no leak, but when checking the seal of the glass, there is a possibility of leaking as I can get a receipt in and moving around.

Blue masking tape is the way to go I guess? On the outside of the humidor I suspect is where I do the tape job?

[CigarNut]

I personally like to use Silicone sealer around the glass. The catch with this is that you need to empty your humidor while you are doing this and give it a few days to air out. Then you need to (re)season your humidor.

[mikethegoalie32]

Seeing as I dont have much (60 cigars max in a large 500-700 cig humi) but more coming soon, do you recommend this now before I have more? How many days do I go without it? Re-seasoning is not a worry. I would rather have it done right than a problem for a long time to come,...

[CigarNut]

Seeing as I dont have much (60 cigars max in a large 500-700 cig humi) but more coming soon, do you recommend this now before I have more? How many days do I go without it? Re-seasoning is not a worry. I would rather have it done right than a problem for a long time to come,...That is the best attitude to have!

Most silicone sealers take a day or two to set, then another few days to air out the "vinegar" odor -- gotta make sure that odor is all gone, as you don't want to taint your sticks.

All-in-all figure a week or so to be safe.

[mikethegoalie32]

ok perfect.
Again I assume it is done on the OUTSIDE of the humidor. Also, I assume I can just take out all shelving to avoid extra stink time. Thirdly, just store my current cigs in a cooler with the humidification stuff I am using until then?

[T.G]

ok perfect.
Again I assume it is done on the OUTSIDE of the humidor. Also, I assume I can just take out all shelving to avoid extra stink time. Thirdly, just store my current cigs in a cooler with the humidification stuff I am using until then?

Opinions vary on the inside or outside of the glass application. I personally believe that if you use a silicone sealer that is non-odorous when dried, ie; GE Silicone-II, then it doesn't matter, so use it on whichever side you prefer as "better" for you based on aesthetics and ease of application.

Some people will go as far as to pull the wooden retainer strip/trim on the backside of the glass, lift the glass out, run a bead on the outside lip, then reset the glass and run an inside bead before finally reinstalling the trim.

Yes, just go ahead and move your cigars and humidification to a tupperware container or cooler while you wait for the repairs to complete - depending on what you are using for humidification, you might need to keep an eye on the RH if things are going to be in there for a long time.

[thecatch83]

I see no harm in lightly wiping the inside of a new humidor with a moist sponge, towel etc. because if for nothing else, you are removing the dust/micro wood particles etc. The wood is not going to swell if it's not soaked, and IMO wiping down the inside does help speed up the seasoning process.

[76GTFan]

I see no harm in lightly wiping the inside of a new humidor with a moist sponge, towel etc. because if for nothing else, you are removing the dust/micro wood particles etc. The wood is not going to swell if it's not soaked, and IMO wiping down the inside does help speed up the seasoning process.

Agreed. Sometimes I just take it out back and run a waterhose over it for a few minutes.:sw

[thecatch83]

I think you should sticky that technique under humidor seasoning :xxx

[T.G]

I see no harm in lightly wiping the inside of a new humidor with a moist sponge, towel etc. because if for nothing else, you are removing the dust/micro wood particles etc. The wood is not going to swell if it's not soaked, and IMO wiping down the inside does help speed up the seasoning process.

While a light wipe down might not put you at risk for swelling and warping the wood, any kind of a wipe down can risk raising the grain of the wood resulting in a cosmetically unattractive rough surface that can easily tear cigar wrappers.

If you want to wipe down the wood to remove dust, you should just barely moisten a clean lint free cloth and wipe it with that. A barely moistened cloth will not leave any water behind or moisten the wood, it will just trap the dust particles.

[thecatch83]

Excellent advice Adam!

[BnBTobacco]

To me the most effective way of naturally imparting moisture to a humidor is with natural evaporation. Use a damp sponge or paper towel. The key to a well seasoned humidor is time.

[smokepuff]

Thanks for the great information :D

[Mattso3000]

Quick question here, I have a small (100) decorative humidor that I keep sitting on my bar and it has always been locked on 64%. I moved last year and over the winter it dropped into the high 50's so I added some cigarjuice to the humidification device. This worked fine during the winter, but now the thing jumped up to 78%. I emptied the smokes into my larger humidor, but is there any way besides just letting it air out and reaseasoning it to get it in line?

[CigarNut]

Reseasoning will not bring the RH down. First, calibrate youe hygrometer to make sure you really do have a problem. If the RH is high then keep your sticks in the other humidor and let the humidor air out -- and hour or so at a time.

Also, get rid of the cigar juice and switch to beads to manage your RH.

[Ncpsycho]

Im seasoning a 120 count Cuban crafters humi right now its been going for like 3 days with a damp sponge in it but ever since i first closed it my freshly calibrated digital hygrometer is reading 73% Rh? Ive read posts that say to let it season till the hygrometer reads 70%? Will the rh level out or should i stop with the seasoning after 3 days?

[DPD6030]

Im seasoning a 120 count Cuban crafters humi right now its been going for like 3 days with a damp sponge in it but ever since i first closed it my freshly calibrated digital hygrometer is reading 73% Rh? Ive read posts that say to let it season till the hygrometer reads 70%? Will the rh level out or should i stop with the seasoning after 3 days?

Did your hygrometer propery calibrated read 75%? If so then 73% would be accurate. If not, then subtract 75 from 73 and you get a 2 difference. So 73% would technically be 75% calibrated. I know my digital hygrometers are off a few % but I write on them with a small piece of tape the difference. Your humidor may not be fully seasoned yet. I'd give it 7-14 days like Mark has suggested and in the meantime re-calibrate your hygrometer. It can't hurt. :2

Does your humidor have cigars in it yet? If not that could be an issue as well as cigars regulate humidity and "even" out the humidity.

[h20wakebum]

To Properly Season A Humidor:

In regards to seasoning, it's pretty simple. Most people think that you should wipe down the interior with water and you're done but I DO NOT recommend this for two reasons. 1.) It does not provide enough moisture to properly season the humidor 2.) It can warp the wood in the humidor.

New wood will draw moisture until it reaches its saturation point, so to properly season your humidor, simply place a large bowl of distilled water into the humidor and keep it closed for 7-14 days. This will allow the dry wood to absorb as much moisture as it can hold. By doing this, you will have a more stable environment for your cigars and reduce the chances of the dry wood absorbing moisture from your cigars. Patience is key to ensure that your new humidor is properly seasoned.

While your waiting for the humidor to season, purchase and calibrate a digital hygrometer. You'll save yourself some headache in the long run.

I hope this helps and happy smoking!

~Mark

.

During the seasoning process... and once saturation is achieved... would I have a humidity reading in the 90% range (or, what would a humidity reading look like once you've seasoned the box for a week or so)?

At that point it would be safe to assume the wood has saturated itself, take out the dish of water AND humidification device ... let it sit EMPTY for 24 hours, check humidity reading... let it sit 24 hours more, check humidity...

IF it stayed within 1 to 2 % points... it's safe to assume you're good to go, add your humidification device AND sticks and away we go?

Does that sound right?

[PenguinsFan88]

To Properly Season A Humidor:

In regards to seasoning, it's pretty simple. Most people think that you should wipe down the interior with water and you're done but I DO NOT recommend this for two reasons. 1.) It does not provide enough moisture to properly season the humidor 2.) It can warp the wood in the humidor.

New wood will draw moisture until it reaches its saturation point, so to properly season your humidor, simply place a large bowl of distilled water into the humidor and keep it closed for 7-14 days. This will allow the dry wood to absorb as much moisture as it can hold. By doing this, you will have a more stable environment for your cigars and reduce the chances of the dry wood absorbing moisture from your cigars. Patience is key to ensure that your new humidor is properly seasoned.

While your waiting for the humidor to season, purchase and calibrate a digital hygrometer. You'll save yourself some headache in the long run.

I hope this helps and happy smoking!

~Mark

.

So is it really that easy? Lemme get this straight...after you get your new humidor home you just open it up, put a bowl of distilled water in there, close it, and leave it shut for a week?

Then a week later when you open it up, poof your all set?

[icehog3]

You have to have some type of humidification device in it, preferably one that gives off and absorbs humidity, ala shilala or Heartfelt beads. With a calbrated hygrometer you keep tabs on when the humidity stabilizes at your desired level. So, "poof"? No, not exactly.

[saigon68]

Can I rent some space in your 1000 # humidor? I started with 1 humi & now have 7!
You have a lot to look forward to. Cigar count can only go up.

[saigon68]

I am essentially lazy. I bought Boveda humidor seasoning packs (84%). I put 5 of 'em in a new 200 count humi and kept it shut (locked actually) for two weeks. No problem maintaining 65% H. Temps fluctuate between 65-68 degrees. Fine for my taste.

[PenguinsFan88]

So is it really that easy? Lemme get this straight...after you get your new humidor home you just open it up, put a bowl of distilled water in there, close it, and leave it shut for a week?

Then a week later when you open it up, poof your all set?

You have to have some type of humidification device in it, preferably one that gives off and absorbs humidity, ala shilala or Heartfelt beads. With a calbrated hygrometer you keep tabs on when the humidity stabilizes at your desired level. So, "poof"? No, not exactly.

Yeah I knew that. Whatabout those humidifiers that come with humidors? Are they OK? Or are they junk like most analog hygrometers that come with humi's are?

[mithrilG60]

Yeah I knew that. Whatabout those humidifiers that come with humidors? Are they OK? Or are they junk like most analog hygrometers that come with humi's are?

The floral foam pucks/bricks? They're ok if you use PG solution in them, but they tend to go moldy and they're not the greatest long term. Most here prefer beads whether they be silica based like Heartfelt or HCM's like Shilila Beads. Larger humidors generally tend to do better with active humidification systems like the Set and Forget from Aristrocrat or the Avallo Accumulator. It really depends on your needs, space and budget.

[icehog3]

The foam humdifiers will give off moisture, but won't absorb it is your humidity is too high. In my humble opinion, they are junk. I throw them away and add beads immediately.

[mithrilG60]

I agree unless you're using 50/50 or PG Solution as that is formulated to normalise at 70%RH. Of course I also prefer my cigars at 70% whereas I know most here prefer 65%. l used foam in my desktop for the first year or so without problems but then switched to beads because I heard they were much less maintanence (true). Now of course I use the Set & Forget that shipped with my Aristocrat and occasionally put in some HCM beads to scrub humidity if I notice it's spiking over 70 and not dropping. Typically that's never an issue but we'll see what happens this summer when the temps start to rise a little as it will be my summer with the Aristocrat and it's not a THC model. I don't really anticipate too much trouble since Vancouver generally doesn't get too hot.

[PenguinsFan88]

The foam humdifiers will give off moisture, but won't absorb it is your humidity is too high. In my humble opinion, they are junk. I throw them away and add beads immediately.

What's the easiest most idiot proof way to add beads? Is it one of these?

http://www.walpertobacco.com/images/Ice-Large.jpg

I assume with the beads jars you just open up your humidor, put the jar in and you're all good?

[CigarNut]

Most beads are contained in tubes or bags rather than jars. You can check the websites for more details: http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/ or http://www.hcmcigarbeads.com/

[icehog3]

Can't see you pic, most use beads from CigarNut (shilala beads) or Heartfelt.

With the Heartfelt, select the RH you prefer, wet about 60% of the beads so they are opaque, then see if it stabilizes your humidor to where you want it. f the RH is low, wet more of the beads....if high, dry them out.

[PenguinsFan88]

Can't see you pic, most use beads from CigarNut (shilala beads) or Heartfelt.

I had used this pic here. I know these beads are sold in Kitchener, Ontario (where I will be moving in October) at the Walper Tobacco Shop since they have a website.

http://i47.tinypic.com/6qfkfl.jpg

Are these any good? As far as I know there are no Canadian places that sell the Heartfelt beads.

[icehog3]

Don't know anything about those, sorry. It looks like gel (according to the label), and not humidity beads, though.

Heartfelt beads are available online at Heartfeltindustries.com, and shilala beads are available here through member CigarNut (Michael) at shilalasbeads.com

[PenguinsFan88]

Don't know anything about those, sorry. It looks like gel (according to the label), and not humidity beads, though.

Heartfelt beads are available online at Heartfeltindustries.com, and shilala beads are available here through member CigarNut (Michael) at shilalasbeads.com

Here's a little video on them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhWfg3rEtfM

They look idiot proof enough for me to use as a newb, but I just dunno how well and reliably they'd work as they aren't a big name brand.

Do Heartfelt ship to Canada?

*Sigh* If only I could easily find the good quality accessories here in Canada so I wouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg for shipping and all that crap.

The lack of and the expensiveness of accessories here in Canada is really dampering my "purchasing my 1st humidor experience" lol. If I could find the good stuff here, I'd buy it, and my 1st humidor in an instant lol.

[CigarNut]

You can get beads (Heartfelt or HCM) shipped to Canada.

The gel in your picture is just OK -- it does not do a great job of regulating RH. It is designed to release moisture slowly and does not absorb the way that beads do.

[icehog3]

Michael is being diplomatic because he is a gentleman like that. I will say that the gel is a bad idea. :2

[PenguinsFan88]

You can get beads (Heartfelt or HCM) shipped to Canada.

Yeah I looked. But how are they in terms of shipping charges??? Do they tack on ridiculous duties and stuff too?

[pnoon]

Yeah I looked. But how are they in terms of shipping charges??? Do they tack on ridiculous duties and stuff too?
The vendors don't tack on duties. Governments do.
Posted via Mobile Device

[PenguinsFan88]

The vendors don't tack on duties. Governments do.
Posted via Mobile Device

Very true.

*Ponders what to do*

[CigarNut]

I use USPS to ship to Canada. A small box (holds a little over a pound) costs about $16 to ship to Canada. The next size box costs about $32 (holds about 10lbs).

[PenguinsFan88]

So if I buy the Heartfelt beads or the shilalas beads would I just open up my humi and place them in my humidor as soon as I get them in the mail and that's it? Or do I season the humidor first?

I don't have anything yet and will presumably be ordering my humi from one place and the Heartfelt beads from their website. I'm just a little intimidatied and confused as to what all to be done first or when etc.

I apologize again for if I sound really basic and slow when it comes to this stuff lol. See I'm used to just going into a cigar shop, buying a single stick and smoking it a few minutes later. The fact that so many websites or people suggest so many different seasoning methods (and try to argue about other ones) doesn't help.

*Rolls eyes*

Anywho as for a hygrometer I was thinking of doing with this one if I can get the B&M in Kitchener to order it for me:

http://www.xikar.com/popup_pix.asp?back=blue&image_name=product/833xi.jpg&item=XIKAR%20Rect.%20Digital%20Hygrometer

[CigarNut]

No matter what you buy for humidification you need to season your humidor (unless you go with Tupperware or a cooler neither of which need to be seasoned). Beads would be put in your humidor after it has seasoned.

Not sure why you want your B&M to order for you; you can order hygrometers directly from many sites including Xikar, HCM or Heartfelt.

[icehog3]

So if I buy the Heartfelt beads or the shilalas beads would I just open up my humi and place them in my humidor as soon as I get them in the mail and that's it? Or do I season the humidor first?



Didn't I try and answer this for you in another thread?

[Crownedone]

I recently switched to the HCM beads and have had no problems with my desk top humidors. before that struggled with all the other bars, pucks, foam, etc...

as for seasoning a new humidor this site has many great threads that can wlak you through it. or as with my local B&M, they will season it for you even if you did not purchase it from them. Check your local if you do not want to do this your self.

My first two desk tops The local B&M seasoned for me but, after that i read the forums and did the others my self. its not difficult.

[PenguinsFan88]

No matter what you buy for humidification you need to season your humidor (unless you go with Tupperware or a cooler neither of which need to be seasoned). Beads would be put in your humidor after it has seasoned.

Not sure why you want your B&M to order for you; you can order hygrometers directly from many sites including Xikar, HCM or Heartfelt.

So season first before putting my beads in eh? Bingo.

As for hopefully trying to get what will be my local B&M to order my stuff after I move, I figure it's just easier that way. I know they can order the Xikar Executive lighter that I may want and have it for me in a day. Even if I have to pay em' a little more, why not?

As for humidifacation, I'm still not sure weather to go with the Heartfelt beads, or this.

http://xikar.com/popup_pix.asp?back=blue&image_name=product/809.jpg&item=XIKAR%202oz%20Crystal%20Jar

Same thing yes?

With all the different stuff available, it's confusing to know what's what. Last thing I want is to order something I don't need, or forget to order something that I do need.

Believe me, I will be one happy camper when I get my humi and get it all set up nicely. Then my only concern will be getting sticks or wondering which ones to buy. :D

[CigarNut]

The Xikar GEL and Heartfelt BEADS are not the same thing.

[pnoon]

Even if I have to pay em' a little more, why not?



Because you've repeatedly told us how limited your budget is?

[icehog3]

The Xikar GEL and Heartfelt BEADS are not the same thing.

Yeah, that been mentioned before as well. Strange.

[PenguinsFan88]

The Xikar GEL and Heartfelt BEADS are not the same thing.

Thank you for clearing that up. I honestly thought that the Xikar jars had beads in em'. Sorry, like I said I've been confused. So much stuff to purchase, so many options, etc.

;s

[Adriftpanda]

I have the best solution for you, buy a humidor first and then worry about seasoning a humidor. That way it will save you all the confusion. Problem solved! :)

[PenguinsFan88]

I have the best solution for you, buy a humidor first and then worry about seasoning a humidor. That way it will save you all the confusion. Problem solved! :)

True. But I just wanna make sure I buy everything I need to go with the humidor as well. Since I'll be grabbing everything in one shot obviously, I just don't wanna forget anything or buy something extra I don't need by mistake. :)

[pnoon]

True. But I just wanna make sure I buy everything I need to go with the humidor as well. Since I'll be grabbing everything in one shot obviously, I just don't wanna forget anything or buy something extra I don't need by mistake. :)

Huy's advice is sound.

There is no ready-to-go humidor kit. This hobby takes time, money, patience, and at times, trial and error. If you are looking for instant gratification, you won't find it in cigars.

[PenguinsFan88]

Huy's advice is sound.

There is no ready-to-go humidor kit. This hobby takes time, money, patience, and at times, trial and error. If you are looking for instant gratification, you won't find it in cigars.

I know that.

I don't mind spending $ on cigars when I can, or giving cigars months or even a year or two to age nicely in a humidor. I just wanna make sure I know exactly what all I need to buy when I go to buy my humidor is all...

[mithrilG60]

I know that.

I don't mind spending $ on cigars when I can, or giving cigars months or even a year or two to age nicely in a humidor. I just wanna make sure I know exactly what all I need to buy when I go to buy my humidor is all...

You've already been told what you need to know several times in this thread? What we're not sure of is why you keep re-asking the same question? The answer isn't going to change just because you've rephrased the question with slightly a different wording. At the risk of repeating, yet again, the advise already given to you several times in this thread:

There are 2 main types of beads; HCM/Shilala (http://www.hcmbeads.com/) and Heartfelt (http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/categories.asp?cat=Humidity+Beads). Both have guides for the care and use of their products on their websites. Both vendors have a calculator on their websites which will tell you how much of their beads you need for the volume of your humidor. Both also sell digital hygrometers. Just pick one, both are very good products which you'll be happy with.

This is what you need to know:

1. Buy humidor.
2. Buy digital hygrometer & beads.
3. Season humidor; see first post in this thread for the most time honoured method.
4. Add beads and cigars.
5. Allow time (ie. weeks) for humidor to stablize.
5. Monitor RH% and adjust amount of beads over time as required to achieve your desired humidity level.

It really doesn't get any simpler than that. If that doesn't make enough sense or explain it well enough then you're really not going to find the answers you're looking for here.

[htown]

I have a quick question and forgive me if this has been answered somewhere else. I just bought a used humidor I plan on aging a few boxes of cigars in. I put a dish with disitlled water in it and for three days my hygrometer, which has been salt tested, has registered 67%. The question is: why isn't the number rising? I don't think it has a leak- I tried the flashlight in a dark room test.

[bobarian]

Did you read the first post? Seasoning will take 7-14days. This is a process that cannot be rushed. You do not need to open your humidor or look at the Rh for at least a week. Each time you open your humidor you let all the moisture out and slow down the process. :2

[htown]

Did you read the first post? Seasoning will take 7-14days. This is a process that cannot be rushed. You do not need to open your humidor or look at the Rh for at least a week. Each time you open your humidor you let all the moisture out and slow down the process. :2

I did read the first post as well as many others. The confusion is because I thought when you were seasoning a humidor the RH went way up and then came down and eventually stabilized. Mine is not going up.

[Flynnster]

Hey guys, quick question. I've got my bowl of distilled water set up, but I'm wondering how much evaporation should occur. Will I be able to see a noticeable difference in the water level?

Also, I've seen a few people say putting a wet sponge on a plate will let more water evaporate, true or false?

[MrClean]

The sponge gives you more surface area for the distilled water to release into the air. I didn't notice a huge drop in the water levels and I was seasoning 2 drawers and 2 shelves in my cooler. Obviously, use new sponges and just wait.

[Flynnster]

Alright, I'm working with a 100 count humidor, just wanted to see if how much water would end up getting sucked up.

[T.G]

For a 100 count, unless the humidor is leaking like a sieve, I doubt that the change in water level over 7-14 days will be visible to the naked eye. :2

[Porch Dweller]

For a 100 count, unless the humidor is leaking like a sieve, I doubt that the change in water level over 7-14 days will be visible to the naked eye. :2

+1. The last time I seasoned a 100ct I had a shot glass of water in it for a week and didn't notice any appreciable change in the water level.

[Flynnster]

Great thanks everyone! Can't wait to get this baby all ready. I've got an order sitting in my cart to load it up!

[Geauxbig1975]

Quick question for you guys? I have a new Humidor which I have been seasoning for the past 6 days. I placed two bowls of distilled water in it and a calibrated hydrometer. I opened it today but most of the water is still there and my humidity is at 84% and steady. I live in South Louisiana so high humidity is the norm but the room the humidor resides in is at 76% humidity. Is it possible that the humidor has soaked up all the water it is going to and if so, should I remove the bowls and go ahead and put my Cigars and my Heartfelt 65% RH Beads and Puck 100 in it and see what happens? Any advice would be helpful and appreciated! I have checked the humidor for any leaks with a dollar bill and the bill will not come out when closed under the lid at any spot without quite a bit of pulling effort. Seems there are no leaks.

[bobarian]

Go ahead and add the beads, skip the puck for now. Let it sit with your hygrometer for a few days. If it stabilizes you are good to go. Just add your smokes. Humidity may spike for few days after adding cigars, but the beads should stabilize things. Be sure that only about 2/3 of you beads are clear so they can absorb any excess humidity. :2

[CdnStogie]

For those of you who use beads -

I picked up some HF 65% beads last week and threw them into my humidor. I was using PG solution prior to this.

Long story short, 2 days later my humidity was at 59%. Thinking perhaps it was my digital hygro that is built into the humidor (no calibration) I went out and bought another digi and calibrated it. It read 60%.

Took out the beads, put back in my PG and over the next day or so it went back up to 68% which is where it was typically staying....

Question is, what do you think in regards to the beads? Perhaps I have a error and received the 60% instead? I did some looking and noticed that I do have a gap in my seal... But why was the PG holding steady?

Over the weekend I went out and bought some aquarium sealant and sealed off around the hygro, glass top and around the seal of the humi with saran wrap to stop it from catching on both sides of the lid, left it open for two days to let the smell leave and now in the middle of re-seasoning.

Trying to debate if I should fire off an email sooner than later to HF industries saying the beads are registering 60% or, if the better portion of you feel it is because of the leaking.

Thoughts?

In regards to the seasoning w/ wipe down. I did this a couple months ago when I received the humidor (directions told me to) and had no ill effects. This time though I decided to not wipe down and just place the bowl in the humi....

My tupperdor though is set up and holding steady. I do not think it has left 70-71% since they went in on Friday!

Final point I want to make is/question - ever since I started buying cigars for keeping them I have picked up OCD... I check them regularly hahaha.. I looked at one last night - at 70% humidity, should you hear a slight crunching noise? I know at 60% I could hear it, and personally I didn't like the taste/burn, but could have been the cigar as well... I have a second one I am wanting to try to see what the difference is in 60% vs 70%, but to me it tasted like burning leaves at 59-60%

[markem]

I assume that the crunching noise is when you are smoking the cigar or rolling it in your hand. Ordinarily, I would say that the cigar is dry, but unless I held the cigar I could not say for certain. If the cigar was in your tupperdor (I am assuming since you said 70%) for a short time, then I would say that the cigar was dry and has not had enough time to absorb the right level of humidity.

For the beads, it is possible (maybe even likely) that the humidor is too dry. The PG solution is likely keeping the air 'wet' but the beads are passive, so likely the true reading of your humidor is coming through.

Place a shot glass of distilled water in the humidor and see how things go for a week or more. If you have room to use a wider vessel, use that. Using a sponge is also good, but you have to be careful that it doesn't have any mold, cleaners, etc. in it.

You can also do a salt test like you do for calibration. Put the salt and water solution in a tupperware container with a hygrometer. Wait 24 hours for all to stabilize. Now add the beads and see what happens. You should see the humidity trying to move to the set point of the beads. Check every hour or two for at least 6-10 hours and run the test for at least 24 hours. If the humidity is diving way low, then you may have gotten beads with the wrong set point and thus should contact the vendor to see about instructions for resetting the point.

[CdnStogie]

The salt test will not damage the beads in any way?

[markem]

The salt test will not damage the beads in any way?

No. You are not putting the salt on the beads, merely placing them in a container with water saturated salt. The salt mixture should be at 70% after a while (can take a day or so). Personally, I would put the mixture in a sealed container in the evening and begin testing in the morning.

[CdnStogie]

Another question regarding seasoning

Reseasoned my humidor over the last 8 days and have a reading of 69% which it has stayed at for two days now.

Is this considered seasoned even though it has not broke 70%?

I am in ontario so it is not the most humid area at the moment. Last week I think it was sitting at about 35% when I had the lid open on the humidor to let the sealant cure.

[NCRadioMan]

There is no difference between 69 & 70% in this situation, imo. Sounds like it's steady and ready to load up so go for it!

[CdnStogie]

Looked this morning with another hygrometer place at the bottom of my humi and it is reading 65%.... Not a big humidor (50ct and only like 4" deep)

I am going to confirm the hygrometer and salt test it for a third time this evening.

[CdnStogie]

I am getting a bit frustrated now with this seasoning thing.

I am blaming it on some leaks which angers me that much more that such a pos was sold to me after specifically explaining what I was after.

Took out the water and within 4 hrs it is down to about 62%.

This is after 9 days of re-seasoning and was reading 69-70% for the last two days.

This weekend I am going to seal all joints inside and outside with the sealant and also pick up some foam gasket for around the edge. Then do the seasoning all over again.

Angers me when I spend 150.00 for a piece of crap 50ct humidor, when if mentioned easily would have spent another 50.00 for no hassle. How much does a decent one cost online? Would be interested now in a 100-200 count. I may just go that route and use a cooler for the time being....

/end rant.

[CigarNut]

IMHO Painters tape is better than foam tape for the edge.

[AdamJoshua]

For sealing the seams make sure you get odorless food grade silicone, you can usually find it at wood working places, home depot, lowes, etc.,

[CigarNut]

Aquarium grade silicone will also work and might be easier to find.

[CRIMPS]

I am getting a bit frustrated now with this seasoning thing.

I am blaming it on some leaks which angers me that much more that such a pos was sold to me after specifically explaining what I was after.

Took out the water and within 4 hrs it is down to about 62%.

This is after 9 days of re-seasoning and was reading 69-70% for the last two days.

This weekend I am going to seal all joints inside and outside with the sealant and also pick up some foam gasket for around the edge. Then do the seasoning all over again.

Angers me when I spend 150.00 for a piece of crap 50ct humidor, when if mentioned easily would have spent another 50.00 for no hassle. How much does a decent one cost online? Would be interested now in a 100-200 count. I may just go that route and use a cooler for the time being....

/end rant.

Hopefully, you can fix your humidor. It's possible the humidor sealed pretty well when built/assembled. When humidity was added maybe things moved/changed.

In the event that you want something a little higher quality, you may want to contact waxingmoon. He routinely posts pics of his humidors. Just scroll through the accessories forum for his posts or check out his website for more. No idea what they cost and I don't have one. I just know quality when I see it. :2

http://www.waxingmoonhumidors.com/

[mithrilG60]

Angers me when I spend 150.00 for a piece of crap 50ct humidor, when if mentioned easily would have spent another 50.00 for no hassle. How much does a decent one cost online? Would be interested now in a 100-200 count.

http://www.waxingmoonhumidors.com/

also (athough they are cabinets and not small desktops):

http://www.aristocrathumidors.com/
http://www.avallohumidors.com/

[CigarNut]

Aristocrat makes desktop humidors as well.

[CdnStogie]

Update - I went out and tried the painters tape and now have a solid seal (so it seams- pun intended)

Now have to use two hands to open it, but I don't think I have to worry about a leak anymore!! Hehe

I'm thinking after a month or so it will compress a bit and will get easier to open.

Wish I went with the painters tape from day 1. Took me a solid 40 minutes to cut and sand the silicone bead out I made to seal it.

[Joey316g]

Question about this procedure ... 7-14 days is a big window.. What is the criteria for being done within that time frame.. For example, after 7 days if the humidity is above xx%? Or something like that

[pnoon]

It's not an exact science. give it 10 days. Make sure you have calibrated your hygrometer. After 10 days, go ahead and load her up. RH will drop due to the cigars sucking up some moisture.

What method will you be using to maintain your desired RH?

[Joey316g]

It's not an exact science. give it 10 days. Make sure you have calibrated your hygrometer. After 10 days, go ahead and load her up. RH will drop due to the cigars sucking up some moisture.

What method will you be using to maintain your desired RH?

That's what I was thinking.. Shoot for the middle... I've already hit 79% humidity. I have a caliber 4r that is right on the money.. This is a new humidor.. My previous humidor I seasoned to 70% and let it hold for 24 hours.. No problems with it but just wanted to try this method.

I will be using 70% beads from CHeaphumidors.

[pnoon]

That's what I was thinking.. Shoot for the middle... I've already hit 79% humidity. I have a caliber 4r that is right on the money.. This is a new humidor.. My previous humidor I seasoned to 70% and let it hold for 24 hours.. No problems with it but just wanted to try this method.

I will be using 70% beads from CHeaphumidors.

As long as you are happy with 70% RH, you're good to go.

Many, like me, prefer 63-65%. All that matters is if you are happy with how your cigars are smoking.

[Joey316g]

As long as you are happy with 70% RH, you're good to go.

Many, like me, prefer 63-65%. All that matters is if you are happy with how your cigars are smoking.

My current humidor hangs around 68% with the 70RH BEADS. Hygro has been calibrated. That's where I like em best around 68 but honestly I can't tell the difference between 66 and 68 as I have kept them at both levels at one point just experimenting