Expert: M J Robbins - 3/11/2009

Question
My husband has a medium grade wood box humidor.  It constantly stays above 70%.  Actually the humidity stays very high.  He hasn't used it in some time and we are only using it because we are getting married and we want to allow our guests the opportunity to smoke a cigar with him at the reception.  We do not live near a cigar shop so I have been trying to get the humidity down with distilled water.  I wet the entire box several times it still will not come down.  Is there anything I can do right now with what I have at home until I can get to a cigar shop this weekend?

Answer
Too much water causes high humidity.
I believe it is just a simple mistake on your part.
Do not add water - take water away.
Remove the humidification device and...

Open the box and leave it open for 2 hours to air it out.
Close the box and check it 4 hours later, or in the morning. If the humidity is still high repeat the 1 hour open process, 4 hours closed. Good is if you achieve 70% humidity when you check the box after it is closed for 4 hours or overnight.

Put the humidity divice back in after the humidor stabilizes.

Another problem is the hygrometer - that is the device that tells you if it is 70% humidity. Most non digital hygrometers are inaccurate.
How do the cigars feel, soft but not too soft, hard but not crunchy?
If crunchy they are too dry,a little soft is perfect, mushy is bad!
A digital hygrometer costs around $30 and will tell you the right humidity. There are tests for the analog hygrometers but an inaccurate hygrometer will always give you false readings even if you test it - like a watch that is 3 minutes slow each day, you can reset it, but it will still be off tomorrow.

Relax, follow the instructions and everything will be fine.
Have a nice wedding.
Don't hesitate to ask for more advice.
M