Expert: James Yee - 10/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a white web like mold comping straight out of my Credo unit into the humidor.  It is white like a spider webbing.  I also have a light dark spot on the lid. Some of my short churchills have darkened into a maduro like color whilst the others have maintained the original color.  My humidor reads 71% humidity, and I did use bottled distilled water. Should I change out the Credo and get rid of the darkened cigars?



ANSWER: Hi Firoz,

Yes, I would change out your Credo and place your darkened cigars into a separate, humidified container such as a Tupperware container, Ziploc bag or Humi-pouch.  Monitor your darkened cigars closely for the next 7-10 days.  If mold begins to form, you can either sterilize your cigars (recommended if mold is caught early) or discard them altogether.  If mold does not appear, your cigars are safe to smoke and can be returned to your humidor.

Hopes this answers your question.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How would I treat the humidor which is mold infrected? How long before I return the cigars to the humidor?
In the meantime how do I store the cigars?

Answer
Hi Firoz,

To clean your humidor, first remove all your cigars and store them in a plastic Tupperware container, Ziploc bag or Humi-pouch (which you can buy at most cigar stores).  Store your cigars in your refrigerator.  This will allow any mold particles on your cigars to appear but slow down the growth so you can spot the mold early and be able to treat it quickly.

You now need to delicately wipe the humidor interior with a tiny bit of Isopropyl alcohol.  This will kill all the mold particles that remain on the wood so be sure to wipe the entire interior including shelves, trays and drawers.  Next, re-wipe the entire humidor interior with 100% distilled water to dilute the alcohol in your humidor.  Replace your humidification device and re-season your your humidor.  Let your humidor sit for 7-10 days and monitor it closely.  If mold re-appears, repeat the cleaning process.  If mold does not re-appear, it's safe to use your humidor again.

For your cigars, if mold appears on them, delicately remove the mold first with a paper towel dampened with distilled water.  Next, delicately wipe the cigars with Isopropyl alcohol and then re-wipe with distilled water.  Store your cigars in a plastic bag/humi-pouch or Tupperware container and let them sit in your refrigerator for at least 7 days.  If mold re-appears on your cigars, repeat the cleaning process.  If mold does not re-appear on the cigars, you can return them back to your humidor.

Hopes this helps.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James