Expert: James Yee - 12/18/2008

Question
Hi I was just given a new humidor and I followed the instructions re: my humidifier and hydrometer. After about four hours my hydrometer is still hovering between 40 and 45.
How long does it normally take for the humidity to climb to it's normal and best level of about 70?
Please help.

Answer
Hi Nick,

Usually it's very quick for the humidity to climb and stabilize at 70% so if your humidor's humidity has not improved after 12 hours, you should re-season your humidor.

I'm not sure if you properly seasoned your humidor or not but seasoning is the process of inundating the humidor cedar interior with distilled water and allow the water to be absorbed into the wood.  This allows the humidor to absorb and regulate humidity more effectively.  Seasoning a humidor can take anywhere between 24 to 72 hours.  (For larger humidors, it may even take longer.)

While a humidor can function without being seasoned, it will perform better if it is fully seasoned.  Also, it's very important that your hygrometer is tested for accuracy and calibrated (if necessary).  Digital hygrometers do not need testing or calibration as they should be extremely accurate and factory-calibrated but analog hygrometers do require an accuracy check at least once a year.  To do this, you will need to conduct a salt test on the hygrometer.

For complete, step-by-step humidor seasoning instructions or analog hygrometer salt-testing, search my question archive or just email me and I will be glad to help.  If you've calibrated your hygrometer and seasoned your humidor thoroughly and the humidity reading still remains low or inactive, it's possible that your humidor may be defective and has a humidity leak.  This is not common but if this happens, contact the retailer where you bought this humidor or the manufacturer for warranty options.

Hopes this answers your question. Again, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James