I'm having a difficult time holding my humidity level in my humidor (30 count, filled). It continually drops below 60 if I don't keep an eye on it. I can barely get the level above 67 even though the humidifier is full. I tested the hygrometer and it works. What can I do? Do I need a new humidor? Also, my cigars seem dry. Are they ruined? If so, can they be revived or do I need to put a new order into cigar.com? Thanks in advance.
Did you season the Humidor when you bought it? If not it'll just keep sucking up moisture for a long time....
The cigars can definitely be revived....but if you are doubtful I'm sure someone will take them off your hands....
The cigars can definitely be revived....but if you are doubtful I'm sure someone will take them off your hands....
what method did you use to test the hygrometer? What are you using in the humidifaction devices (tap water, distilled, PG solution, etc)? How long as the humidor been running, has long has it been full?
did it have any problems before you filled it? a lot of times going for about 2 sticks to 30 could have a strong effect on the humidity levels. I would monitor it close for another week or two and maybe it will stabalize, otherwise you might want to move the sticks to tupperware to get them back to where they need to be while you get a new humidor.
Common Problems to Consider:
1. Weather. If it is cold or if the heat is on in your house your humidor will need some serious babysitting. Either factor sucks the moisture right out.
2. Is it glass topped? Some Glass top humidors dont insulate as well.
3. Are you using a digital hygrometer? If not buy one, the analogs suck and are inaccurate.
4. If there is room, look at an electric cigar oasis, this baby will ensure fresh cigars.
5. If you dont have room for no 4, but a secondary humidifier to pump it up or temporarily grab some water pillows.
6. Check the seal on your humidor. Open the lid and let it drop shut. It should catch at the last minute and close fairly quitely from one inch open. If it slams you might have seal problem.
1. Weather. If it is cold or if the heat is on in your house your humidor will need some serious babysitting. Either factor sucks the moisture right out.
2. Is it glass topped? Some Glass top humidors dont insulate as well.
3. Are you using a digital hygrometer? If not buy one, the analogs suck and are inaccurate.
4. If there is room, look at an electric cigar oasis, this baby will ensure fresh cigars.
5. If you dont have room for no 4, but a secondary humidifier to pump it up or temporarily grab some water pillows.
6. Check the seal on your humidor. Open the lid and let it drop shut. It should catch at the last minute and close fairly quitely from one inch open. If it slams you might have seal problem.
Plus, as a security measure, you should send samples of your stix to your fellow forum members to test. This way we can tell you exactly what your humidity problems have done to your cigars.
All kidding aside, your humidor is way to small. The smaller you humidor the more difficult it is to maintain the proper RH. A lot of us who store Cuban Cigars keep the RH at 65%. The levels you are talking are not bad for your cigars. Have patience my son.
bildo, if I were to move my cigars to tupperware what is the best way to keep the cigars while I try to figure out problem with my humidor?
I love those water pillows, I always use then to kick up the smaller desktops when they are running a little lower on the RH side, especially in winter.
Break in a new humidor by putting a wet sponge (in a plastic bag, or double it up) over a weekend (friday-sunday). Afterwards, charge some humidification beads and wait another weekend. You should be at 70% or damn near it.
Also, run the salt test two or three times on your hygrometer. It should read exactly 75%. Take each reading, average them and subtract from 75 (eg 77, 78, 75 = 76.6 - 75 = 1.6% off) That's how off your hygrometer is. Don't be concerned if your hygrometer is off by a lot (my first humidor's hygrometer read 85% on the salt test!), as long as you know how off you are, then you can compensate.
Try not to open your humidor much either. Maybe once or twice a day for 15 seconds apiece while your breaking it in. Once the humidity has stabilized you can be a bit more lenient, but during the breaking in portion don't mess around with it a lot.
Also, run the salt test two or three times on your hygrometer. It should read exactly 75%. Take each reading, average them and subtract from 75 (eg 77, 78, 75 = 76.6 - 75 = 1.6% off) That's how off your hygrometer is. Don't be concerned if your hygrometer is off by a lot (my first humidor's hygrometer read 85% on the salt test!), as long as you know how off you are, then you can compensate.
Try not to open your humidor much either. Maybe once or twice a day for 15 seconds apiece while your breaking it in. Once the humidity has stabilized you can be a bit more lenient, but during the breaking in portion don't mess around with it a lot.