Expert: M J Robbins - 2/8/2009

Question
I have mold on my humidifier not on cigars or on box itself, just the humidifer that i recharge with distilled water. help

Answer
You have to replace the device immediately.
Step one take out the cigars and put them in a big zip lock bag - they will stay fresh in there for several days.
Throw away the device.
Clean the whole humidor out with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol to kill all the mold hiding there and use a tooth brush to clean the corners.
Let the humidor dry out overnight put a fan on it to hurry the process if you want.

Use 50/50 sollution in your new device unless the device comes imbued with chemical as the "Abey" device does. Soak the device in a bowl filled 1/2 as high as the device for 1 minute. The device should soak up most of the bowl.
1. Buy distilled water "ONLY", available in the water section of any supermarket.
2. Around every 30 days thereafter soak the humidification device face down in a bowl of distilled water for 1 minute. Only fill the bowl ½ as high as the device and allow the water to absorb up into it. Use 50/50 sollution about every 6 months.
3. Put in your cigars. Leave them in the wrappers they come in. The wrapper protects the cigar and does not affect aging as they are not sealed. If cigars come in aluminum tubes smoke them as the tube is a mold magnet.
4. Cigars hold moisture and help to keep a stable humidity. So keeping a good stock of cigars is important for a perfect environment.
5. If your box does not come with a digital hygrometer consider one in the future. The dial hygrometers are inaccurate to 7%.

Science meet cigars-
I am a firm believer in the Boveda device, a packet of Propylene Glycol and water set to perfect humidtiy used by the most respected names in the industry like Arturo Fuente to control mold and humidity in all their boxes of cigars. Use this along with the other device - lay it right on top of the cigars and it will help in the future, they cost $4 at your local cigar store.

Any clarification please contact me
M