Expert: James Yee - 5/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

I have recently got a humidor and seasoned it fine it was sitting at a decent rate (70 % humidity). I added a humidification device (acryl polymer crystals), I added distilled water to a very small amount of the crystals (till they were fully absorbed in distilled water) and placed it in my existing sponge humidifier. I have calibrated the digital hygrometer correctly (salt method)yet the humidor is reading 74. This is painfully high, I can also feel the cigars are too spongy which is an obvious sign of high humidity. I have removed the device and placed some paper towels (odorless) inside the humidor to hopefully lower it. What can I do, this is really bothering me as too much fluctuations can ruin the taste of the cigars. Also before that I noticed fluctuations all the time going from 69 to 73. The humidor is currently sat in my cupboard (because it is dark).

Also I needed to ask about something else. The lip on the humidor is relatively loose. What can I do to ensure it stays in all the time. Or is it supposed to be like that (needs a push back in now and again).

Thanks so much James.

-Adam.

ANSWER: Hi Adam,

Your acryl polymer beads should generate 70% humidity on their own so it may not be necessary to use your sponge humidifier.  If you do need to use your sponge humidifier, adding a 50/50 mixture of Propylene Glycol and distilled water to it should help it maintain a humidity output of approximately 70% (you may need to fine-tune the water-PG ratio to achieve 70%... start with a 50/50 mixture first.  If after a week, the humidity is still too high, add a few more drops of PG.  If the humidity is too low, add more distilled water to dilute the PG.)  

You can purchase Propylene Glycol at most cigar stores, pharmacies, drug stores and Internet retailers.  If you can't find PG, you can also use pre-mixed humidor solutions as they also contain Propylene Glycol.

In regards to your humidor lip, it's perfectly normal for it to be loose.  This allows the wood to naturally expand and contract with the humidity.  Permanently securing the lip with glue or nails could cause the wood to split or warp when it expands.  If it keeps popping out repeatedly, a small bit of double-sided tape will hold it down but do not use anything permanent to affix it.

I hope this helps!  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Sorry I forgot to add I discarded the sponge to put the acryl polymer crystals in. There is only a small amount. Would you still recommend getting the PG solution?

-Regards.

Answer
Hi Adam,

You don't need to add PG to the crystals... just use distilled water.  Adding more crystals should absorb the excess humidity and bring your humidity down to a reasonable level.  Just slightly wet the beads with a spray bottle of distilled water and store them in your humidor.  I'm not sure what size your humidor is but in a 50-count humidor, you should have at least 2 ounces of beads.  If your humidifier housing is too small, you can just store the beads in a bowl or plastic container with a vented lid.  (Cigar stores will also sell perforated containers specifically for storing humidity beads.)

The best thing about beads is that you can add more beads and it won't negatively affect your humidor performance.  Again, you should have at least 2 ounces of beads for a 50-count humidor but it's perfectly safe to add more.  

Regards,
James