Expert: James Yee - 3/7/2009

Question
James,

I made the mistake of keeping two cigars in an air tight, moist container while I waited to buy to humidor and they are showing a little mold on their tip.  

I removed them immediately.  I now have a humidor that is functioning properly.  Is there any way to salvage those cigars that had what looks like mold growing on their tips?  The mold hasn't gotten worse.  

It may be a dumb question, but can I smoke them still?  

Thanks in advance for you feedback.

Answer
Hi Charles,

As long as the mold has not spread between the layers of exposed tobacco at the foot of the cigar, your cigars can still be saved and smoked.  What you need to do is take a paper towel dampened with distilled water and delicately wipe away all the visible mold on the cigar.  Next, delicately wipe the mold-infected areas of the cigar with Isopropyl alcohol.  You don't need to use a lot.  A little alcohol to lightly moisten the cigar is enough.  The alcohol will kill all residual mold particles remaining on the cigar.  Next, take another paper towel moistened with distilled water and wipe the cigar again.  This will dilute the residual alcohol that remains on the cigar.  Now let the cigar(s) sit in a Tupperware container or Ziploc bag in your refrigerator for several days.  This will allow any remaining mold to reappear slowly if present.  If mold reappears, repeat the disinfection process.  Once your cigars are able to sit for several days without any mold appearing, your cigars will finally be ready to be returned to your humidor.

If mold has spread to the exposed layers of tobacco at the foot of the cigar, it's better to dispose of them as it's impossible to fully purge the mold particles from the cigar and smoking a moldy cigar can be a respiratory irritant and make you sick.

Hopes this answers your question. As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James