Cigar Humidors: Everything You Need to Know

When you buy a humidor there are a few initial steps that should be taken before you start storing your cigars in it. If you do not take the right steps when you first purchase the humidor you risk robbing your cigars of the humidity required.

Adorini humidors offer two alternatives when you purchase them. There are humidors that come with standard fittings, comprising a simple hygrometer with a metal spring and sponge based humidifier with a solution of propylene glycol to improve humidity. A deluxe or 'premium' model offers an Adorini hair hygrometer, with premium Adorini humidifier, that has deluxe acryl polymers.

If you happen to have already brought an Adorini hair hygrometer, then this step is not necessary. The calibration is done on the Adorini hair hygrometer before it is sold, and there should be no need for a re-calibration unless there is a problem or blow to the hygrometer during delivery.

Calibrating analog hygrometers can be done several ways:

Firstly, and most usually, the calibration can be done by placing the hygrometer in a salt solution in small box. A small portion of salt should then be taken from the box and moistened so that is damp, but not enough that it will dissolve. The salt and the hygrometer should then be placed together in a sealed container. After 8 hours the humidity level will reach 75%, and which point the needle on the hygrometer can be adjusted manually to indicate 75% humidity.

The second alternative is to remove the hygrometer from the humidor and cover it gently with a damp cloth. After an hour or so the relative humidity will be 96%, and using a screwdriver, you can again manually calibrate the hygrometer to reflect this.

Place the humidifier on a plate and cover it with propylene glycol solution, used in sponge based humidifiers, or with distilled water.

After an hour the humidifier will have absorbed a sufficient amount of liquid. Shake off the excess liquid from the humidifier and make sure that any unused liquids are removed. Dry the humidifier gently with a piece of absorbent cloth.

Following that, use a cloth that has been dampened with distilled water to wipe the inside of the humidor, and the dividers or trays that it contains.

Place a glass of distilled water into the humidor and leave for three days. If you are keen to get started sooner, placing a glass of warmed water into the humidor can reduce this timeframe, needing only a day before your humidor will be ready. Essentially, you need to be certain that the interior is humid enough.

Your humidor will need to aerated once every two weeks or so to ensure that it doesn't become 'stale' and the ideal temperature for the humidor is between 64-70°F (18-21°C).

Should the temperatures fall below 54°F (12°C) it will impact upon the aging of the cigars. Far more damaging to your cigars is if the temperature rises above 75°F (24°C). High temperatures can lead to decay of the cigars, and it is also important to remember that your cigars will be damaged if they are exposed to prolonged, direct sunlight.