Expert: M J Robbins - 7/29/2009

Question
I have a humidor lined with Spanish cedar.  I just read an article that read, if my humidor has dust particle on them it is a good thing . . . well the humidifier has a lot of this grey dust looking stuff on it. should i wipe it off also and keep using the humidor? Additionally, there is a yellow looking substance on the bottom of the humidor? what is that and is it harmful?

Answer
Mold is a constant problem in a warm moist box.
You have a mold problem.
1. Empty your box and put the good cigars in a Zip Lock bag.
2. Use a clean cloth and wipe down the affected cigars with Isopropyl Alcohol, leave them out for 1 hour to dry and put them in a seperate bag.
3. Throw away your humidification device and get a new one.
4. Wipe down the entire box with Isopropyl alcohol use a tooth brush to get the corners and leave it open overnight.
5. Put in your new humidity device and get a Boveda packet to help control mold - add cigars.
6. Smoke the affected cigars first.
7. DO NOT TAKE THE CIGARS OUT OF THE WRAPPERS THEY COME IN, I HAVE SEEN WHOLE BOXES WIPED OUT BY MOLD WITH NAKED CIGARS. Wrapped cigars contain the mold!

I have taken moldy cigars, wiped them down with Alcohol, put them back in their original box and checked them 6 months later and they were still perfect.

Enjoy
MJR