Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 11/24/2008

Question
Greetings,   I recently purchased, and seasoned, a new 125 ct humidor. I had some cigars waiting to be put in the humidor, they were sealed in small ziploc baggies and placed in larger ones to help keep them fresh while they "waited".    I used the shot glass of distilled water in the bottom and charged the humidifiers with PG solution. Also, the Xikar hygrometer/thermometer (used instead of analog) was placed under the lid.  I did not wipe down the interior with distilled water (as advised by many) The RH Seemed to reach, and maintain 71% rather quikly!?!?  Aprrox 2 days....  I waited another day, and when no change in RH happened, I introduced approx 65 stogies.  After 24 hrs. the RH jumped to 80% +/-.  I thought the RH would dtay the same or even drop some??  I'm a little nervous, as I can't easily replace the cost of the cigars.  Conserned about mold and the overall condition of my investment!  It's only been @ 80% for about 24 hrs as of this inquiry.   I did do the salt calibration to the hygrometer when i got it.  Could I have made a mistake or overlooked something in the calibration?? Is the humidity rising that much after introducing cigars unusual/concerning?   Should I remove and replace the battery in the hygro to reset to "factory specks"??    Thanks In advance for your reply!!  Kyle

Answer
Kyle,

I don't think you have anything to worry about. It is impossible to over-humidify a humidor by putting cigars in it unless they were ridiculously wet when you put them in. I'm willing to bet you'll see the humidity drop within a couple of days. If you are concerned, just check the cigars daily - if you see them beginning to feel overly soft, then they are being over-humidified. At that point, take them  out, put them back in your zip lock bags and then check back with me.

I'd say the air was probably very humid inside the humidor, and when you filled it with cigars the hygrometer read condensed air with lots of moisture in it. You have a good hygrometer in Xikar, so it is probably accurate. You just need to give them a few days and I think everything will be ok.

Bill