thanks guys
I didnt wipe em with alcohol. I was a bit leery of that advice (hence the post), but I didnt know what else to do. Its the white variety. I very gently wiped it off (dry cloth), and will keep the sticks in isolation for a bit.
Hygrometer is fine, no beads + 3 weeks out of town + person that was supposed to check on them not checking on them, that did em in. Came home tonight to find the humi at 71%
BEADS ARE ORDERED!!!