Losing Humidity
 

Don't know why I am suddenly losing humidity in my desktop. The reading on my hygrometer was fine, until the battery went dead and I replaced it. It reads 60% now. I calibrated it for 24 hrs with the salt and water treatment in tupperware and it read 74%. I then put it in my humi and it drops to 60%. I have Shilala beads set at 65%. Anytime in the past that my humi would dip below 62% I would just put a small cup with a sponge and distilled water in for 24 hours and the humidity reading would go back up. I've done this and now the humidity does not increase. If I do have a leak and the seal is not air tight what is the best way to fix it? By the way there is no glass top its solid wood. Help, any suggestions?

Re: Losing Humidity
 

You might just need to re season the humi again. Let it season for a few days, and in the meantime just keep your cigars in Tupperware.

Re: Losing Humidity
 

I'd give the humi the flashlight test before reseasoning, it only takes a minute. If you see light coming out, you will need to use some type of weatherstripping to improve the seal.

Re: Losing Humidity
 

Just did the flashlight test Tom....can't see any light. Should I re-season? And why can't I re-season with the cigars and beads in the humidor?

Re: Losing Humidity
 

The RH will be much higher during the seasoning process if you use just a bowl of distilled water.

Re: Losing Humidity
 

Just stuff the sticks in large ziplock bags with bovedas while you re-season. They'll be fine.

Re: Losing Humidity
 

Seasoning the humidor is a good thing. The wood will swell a bit and make all the seals tighter. I would give it more than a few days though. I would recommend a full (re)seasoning -- a week or two until you are sure it is fully seasoned.

As Scotty has said, put your cigars in Ziploc bags -- they will be fine.