Expert: M J Robbins - 10/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hey MJ,

You answered a question about mold for a me a week back and I need your help again! I cleaned my humidor with alcohol, let it dry, and reseasoned it (wet wood with sponge, put sponge in humidor, etc etc). I installed the Boveda packets in there now too and was going to let it sit for a week to see if any mold grew back but, the humidity won't get over 67% constant. When I was seasoning it, the wood would stay "wet" for about 2 hours and the humidity would spike to 85% but after the visible wetness dissipated it would drop back down to the 65% range. Now it sits right there almost all day, but it wont go over 67% (which makes no sense because I'm using 2 72% Boveda packets in a 100 CT humidor). Could it be that its empty (gars in temporary tuperdore) and it harder to keep it at the 72% with just the packets in there? Is it because its a glass top? Or is it likely the seal just isn't there? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated as I have a shipment of two boxes of primo cigars otw right now. If you think I should get another humidor let me know, as I'll have to try and budget for one. Do you have a suggestion for something thats 50-100 ct that is good quality and not terribly expensive? I prefer a glass top like this one as its on display in my office and I have customers in here all the time.

ANSWER: No
Do not wet down the wood and put in a sponge (do not do this again ever).
The Boveda alone will not keep a big humidor at 70% RH unless you put the digital right underneath the Boveda pillows to get a reading.
The humidor needs cigars with the Boveda pillows right on top of them.

If it was 67% with no cigars that is a good sign you have solid humidity.

Do not depend on the analog hygrometer on the front of the Glass top humidor. I hope you had a digital?

1. If it has a shelve put the cigars on the bottom in their boxes if they fit with boveda's on top. 2 boxes - perhaps one will fit on the bottom closed with 2 Boveda on top then the other box spread on the top shelve with 2 Boveda on top of the cigars for appearances.

3. Leave the cigars in the wrappers they come in to protect them.

4. No more sponges or extra water or you will see mold for sure. I am really surpised you did not see an immediate recurrence of mold with this treatment - and that might be a good sign for the future.

5. As soon as the boxes are depleted stick the Boveda's in the box with the cigars.

That is the safest way, but you can lay the cigars out and put the Boveda on top and that should be fine also.

I know the Boveda on top of the cigars is a seeming distraction but a real aficionado will see that as a smart move.
If they pack a $1 million Stradivarius with Boveda to keep the wood stable, your cigars are in good company.

Mike






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

QUESTION: Mike,

I had read even on this site that the wipe down was the way to season but ok I won't do that again. Yes its holding at around 65%-66% with no cigars and it isn't very large. It realistically could hold 50-60 robustos if I squeezed them in. I have 2 Boveda packs in there right now. I definitly am using a Digital. Its a nice unit with Temp/Humidity. So you think if two are keeping it steady in there at that % I'll be gtg when I load it up?  

Answer
Yes go ahead with "no fear"
Should be all right.
I used to wipe the boxes down 20 years ago also, then 10 yrs ago I tried it without, put in a lot of cigars and everything was perfect.
The cigars have a lot of moisture also and the Boveda just need to keep them stable.
A medium humidor with dry wood will absorb maybe 1/2 ounce of water.
There is 4 ounces of water in 2 Boveda.
And a lot of moisture in cigars if they come from a good source.

Now if the cigars are dry to begin they will absorb a lot of water and the Boveda would have to be replaced in as little as 1 week.

Enjoy
Mike