Expert: M J Robbins - 1/27/2009

Question
While prepping my humidor, the humidifier (sponge-type) fell into the cup of water I had left inside the humidor.  I took out the sponge, doused it with 50/50, and the liquid that ran out was brownish in color and had some particulate matter in it.  I rinsed it again with 50/50, and it ran mostly clear.


Did I just ruin my humidifier?  Should I just go out and buy another one, or is this one salvageable?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
The sponge material is sometime a little loose and can fall out especially if it has been banged around.
Never put a bowl in the humidor please please please!
Normally,
50/50 sollution every 6 months or more often only to reduce humidity and reduce the chance of mold growth. It will block the absorbtion of water prematurely if the sollution is used exclusively.
Around every month or when you see humidity falling -
Put the device face down in a bowl of distilled water but do not drown it.Most of the water should me absorbed in 30 seconds.

The only thing to watch for is white mold on the device and then it should be replaced-
or if it does not absorb water.