Expert: M J Robbins - 5/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
I've smoked cigars for years but only at the stores, I've now got myself a basic little humidor.
It has come with a sponge humidifier. (No humidification gauge though).
Do I just soak it in water?
I want to make the best of the equipment what I have as money is tight, so hope you can pass on advice that doesn't mean me buying new stuff ;)
Many thanks,
Stuart.

ANSWER: You need to spend a little more.
The sponge needs to be soaked in Propylene Glycol to protect against mold and use it every 6 months. The rest of the time, usually around once a month, use distilled water only.
I push a device called a "Boveda" and you can order them online for $4 each + shipping. Get one 72% and lay it right on the cigars to solidify perfect humidity. Get a few and have one for back up to use in a few months.

If you do not use Propylene glycol mold can start growing in a few months and did in my tests with this scenario.
$10 for Propylene Glycol 50/50 and $10 for 2-72% Boveda.
So spend another $20 and that is minimum to protect your cigars.

Enjoy
MJR

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the above,
Also please tell me how long should I soak the sponge in Propylene Glycol?
And subsequently how long should I then soak the sponge in water, first time and each time after?
Finally how long can I expect a humidifier sponge device to last, months or years?
Many thanks,
Stuart ;)


Answer
To begin and at least every 30 days thereafter soak the humidification device face down in a bowl of distilled water (or Propylene Glycol) for 1 minute. Only fill the bowl ½ as high as the device and allow the water to absorb up into it.
Also - Leave the cigars 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.

The sponge should be replaced every few years for best results.

MJR