Expert: James Yee - 9/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello James,
I set up my new montegue end table humidor about 5 weeks ago with a humi-care xg 1000 pro electronic humidification system. I had the system in the back on the very bottom & was considering moving it to the center shelf. I'm very glad I did because when I removed the fan/control unit from the top of the reservoir, I had many spots of mold on the top of the foam inside. In my initial panic, I have taken the foam out of the reservoir & trimmed the top layer off. I thought I had read in one of your previous answers that the electronic humidifiers only need distilled water (no propylene glycol required). The instructions for this unit said only add distilled water, which I did when I commissioned my setup. I poured off all excess. How can this be prevented from happening again?
Thank you.
Greg

ANSWER: Hi Greg,

To prevent mold from appearing, what you can do is keep your humidification device in an unobstructed, centralized location inside your humidor.  What causes mold to appear is a excessive buildup of moisture and if your humidifier is located at the back of your end table or tucked away in a corner and obstructed by cigars, boxes or even humidor components (ie: shelf, tray, drawer, etc.), humidity will not be able to circulate effectively.  This creates a buildup of localized humidity which can cause mold to form in a particular area.

Mold can also form from the smallest trace of bacteria so when recharging and handling your humidifier, be sure to only use 100% distilled water and ensure that your hands are properly and thoroughly washed with soap.

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

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response, James. I don't think your suggestion will make a difference with this humidifier. It has a large rectangular reservoir with a large piece of what appears to be floral type foam inside & a control unit that slides on top with 2 fans in it. The area with the mold was inside the unit. The only circulation in this area would be provided by the fans running to circulate humidity within the humidor.

I don't know whether to soak the foam in alcohol or try to get a piece I can replace it with from a local craft store. I found no evidence of mold anywhere else in the humidor.

Thanks again,
Greg

Answer
Greg,

You can soak the aquafoam in alcohol but will need to thoroughly flush the foam clean with distilled water.  If you decide to just start over with a brand new piece of aquafoam, be sure to thoroughly rinse it with distilled water to remove as much of the loose foam powder.

As an alternative, you may want to consider upgrading to a foamless humidifier or use humidistat crystals/beads as they are less susceptible to bacteria.

Regards,
James