Kitty Litter as Humidification

This is copied from Cigarwise with the permission of the author!


Instructions on the use of Fresh Step (or other brand) kitty litter CRYSTALS to us a humidification device in a humidor. Because this might be of general interest.

Basically cat litter crystals are the same as Climaxx Beads, only far cheaper. You use them the same way. Use 1 pound of CRYSTAL litter (unscented of course) per 5 cubic feet of space in the humidor.

There are a few of ways to use them. Some people use any container that has holes in it small enough that the beads don't leak out. I have mine tied up in a hunk of cheesecloth. Others tie them in a piece of nylon from clean panty hose.

The directions for Climaxx beads suggest that you dampen the beads or crystals with distilled water to "activate them" Too much water is not good, of course. Personally I don't apply water diretly to the beads. Rather, I "season them" just as I would a new humidor by putting them in the box with a saucer or bowl of distilled water until the humidity comes up to and reamins at or above 65%. Then I just let the crystals work their magic -- absorbing humidity when it gets too high and releasing it when it gets too low.

When the RH drops to 60% or so and doesn't rise back up, then it's time to add a distilled water source for 24 hours or so. (Alternatively to redampen the crystals).

"season" the crystals"

I wasn't very clear on what was meant by that. What I have done was just to put the crystals in my already seasoned humidor with the water source and kept track to see that the humidity didn't drop precipitately. You could certainly pre-season them in a tupperware container with a water source and then put them in your humidor. In fact that sounds safer to me. The problem with adding water directly to the beads is that there's a danger of over-moisturising them (and your humidor), plus they have a tendency to shatter when in direct contact with water.


On re-charging them, I simply add a source of distilled water into the humidor with the crystals and cigars for about 24 hours.

I have never tried this - but know people that do.

Climmax beads can be a "pita" to get - great product always
have to wait to get it!

I'll look into it :?
That would suck!

axegod75 said:

I've been looking into this as well since CC has me interested in the wine chiller as a storage option. I found this site which sells something similar to Climmax beads:

Click to expand...

Looks like the same media with a few more dollars in cost.
I like the beads - I ain't no science rocketer, so simple and
pre-set to 65% is what I use.

The Kitty Litter (I am told) works well once you train it where ypu want it :shock: All this is beyond me - But I LIKE my cigars to burn right