Expert: James Yee - 12/28/2008

Question
I have recently purchased a new 120 count humidor and want to ask a question regarding setup.  I did purchase a digital hygrometer, therefore I am confident on how to read.  My question is that when doing research online for setting up a new humidor, some sites recommend wiping down the inside of the humidor with distilled water and others state that you should not as it could ruin the wood.  I am confused about if I should wipe it down with distilled water or not.  What have you found as the best practice for setting up a new humidor?

Answer
Hi Monica,

Seasoning a new humidor by applying distilled water to the interior is recommended because it prepares the wood and allows it to absorb and regulate humidity more quickly and efficiently.  It is possible to maintain an unseasoned humidor but the humidity performance may be more erratic and will require more frequent maintenance.

A lot of humidor manufacturers and websites recommend that you do not season your humidor because of two reasons:

1/ The humidor (particularly high end humidors) may already be factory-seasoned by the manufacturer and do not require further seasonings.
2/ Seasoning should only be done by experienced people and improperly seasoning a humidor could damage the humidor.

Improper seasoning can in fact damage the humidor wood but when seasoning, it is important that you follow the steps carefully and exactly.  Skipping certain steps in the seasoning process or cutting corners when seasoning can and usually will affect your humidor negatively.

If you season your humidor properly, your humidor will be fine.  The most common mistake people make when seasoning a humidor is applying distilled water in the interior and letting it sit permanently or for a long period of time.  This can cause the wood to warp.  The proper method is to apply distilled water to the humidor with a spray bottle, let it sit for only a few minutes, and then wipe up the excess water with a clean sponge.  This will not warp the wood.

Hopes this answers your question. If you require detailed, step-by-step instructions on seasoning a humidor, please search my question archive or feel free to ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James