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

Question
Hello, I purchased a new Savoy humidor about a month ago.  I have seasoned it with distilled water only and have only used distilled water when moisturizing the humidifier.  I've noticed white mold on the humidifier, what could be causing this?  I have been re-moisturizing the humidifier every 7-10 days and the humidity in the humidor is constant at about 70.  Should I move to one of the gel jar humidifier's?  Please let me know.

Thanks,

Rich

Answer
Rich,

I can't imagine what would cause mold since you are only using water. Typically mold occurs when someone uses a propylene glycol/water solution that has too much propylene glycol in it.

I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but you can remedy it by adding a couple of drops of bleach to about 3 ounces of water and using that to refill it. The bleach will kill the mold and won't hurt the cigars.

Was the humidifier charged when you got it? If so it may have had the too much propylene glycol solution problem and the mold is just starting to grow. Sorry I don't have a better answer...

Bill