Expert: James Yee - 8/14/2008

Question
 i was just wondering is seasoning the humidor is only a one time thing,
like you only do it when you get the humidor, and not like once a year or
something . also i read that you may need to refresh the humidification
device after you you let it sit with the sponge.   should i fill it with 50/50
solution or distiled water. and how will i know when i need to refill the
device, and thanks for all the help so far

Answer
Hi Ben,

Seasoning can be a one-time thing if you properly and constantly maintain your humidor after it has been seasoned.  If you were to let your humidor "dry out" or not use it for a long time, you would need to reseason it.  A humidor can function without being seasoned but it may have erratic humidity and require more frequent distilled water refills.  Seasoning is always recommended for humidors with cedar interiors.  (Humidors with 100% laminate or acrylic interiors do not need seasoning because they can't absorb the water.)

Yes, if you let the humidification device sit with the sponge during seasoning, it will lose moisture (just like the sponge) so you would have to recharge it with distilled water.  You only need to add the 50/50 solution just once and after that, add distilled water when needed.  Adding more than one 50/50 mixture will effect the humidification element's performance.  To see if the humidification device needs to be recharged, check the core element (usually aquafoam) in the humidfication device.  If it feels dry, you will need to add more distilled water.  Also, if the humidity level begins to drop, it's a sign that you need to add more distilled water.  

Hopes this answers your questions. As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James