Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 1/17/2008

Question
I recently bought a savoy humidor and seasoned it properly (I hope) Ive had it about a month yesterday I noticed fluffy white patches on my humidifier could it be mold? and if it is what should i do. thanks for your help.

Answer
Tay,
Sorry to hear about your problem. It probably is mold, if the stuff on your humidifier has small hairs and/or turns green, it is definitely mold. You can clean it by mixing about a tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of water and wiping it off. The vinegar will kill the mold and the smell with go away in a day or 2. Don't put it back in the humidor until the smell is gone. The big question is what is causing it to mold? Are you using distilled water, a mixture of propylene glycol and water or something else in the humidifier? If you are using a mixture, what brand is it? If your mixture has too much propylene glycol it will mold. I think the best brand on the market is Madelaine. Since you've already had a problem, try using plain distilled water in it for 2-3 months to make sure the old stuff is mostly gone and then try the Madelaine brand. Hope this helps.
Bill