Cigars/Disinfecting humidification device
Advertisement
Question
Hi James,
I'm treating my humidor and cigar against a major mold infestation and I was wondering if I should attempt to treat the humidification device (a plastic encased sponge) or get a new one. I can't see any visible mold on the unit itself. If I am to treat it, how do I go about doing so?
Thank you
Hi John,
I would say it's better to just replace the humdification device.
These sponge-based humidification devices are fairly inexpensive (they usually cost anywhere between $5-$15; depending on the size) so its best to just replace the unit entirely. In addition, the sponge element in these humidification devices are very porous so any bacteria or mold that forms on the sponge can embed itself in the pores and be incredibly hard to fully purge. It's much more easier and cheaper to just replace these humidification devices.
If you wish to try cleaning the unit, what you can do is soak the entire sponge element in a dish of Isopropyl Alcohol for 1 minute to kill the mold spores. Next, THOROUGHLY rinse the sponge clean with distilled water for about 10-15 minutes and this will dilute and remove the alcohol from the sponge. The sponge should now be disinfected. The plastic housing should also be wiped down with alcohol and then rinsed clean with distilled water.
Hopes this helps! If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
Related Articles
James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.