Expert: James Yee - 8/27/2010

Question
Just got my first humidor and am having some
problems. I calibrated both the analog and
Madeleine digital with the salt method. The analog
on the outside which is the cheap one that came
with it is reading 70%, the digital inside is reading
74-77% How can I get this down? I've tried leaving it
open for a while, and leaving the humidifier out
overnight, but only got it down to 74% I'm also using
the Madeleine 50/50 solution. Did I over hydrate it
when I seasoned it? Also being naive & new to this, I
used tap water in a shot glass for the first 2 days.
Should this be corrected or is that not long enough
to hurt it?
Thanks,
Kiley

Answer
Hi Kiley,

What you should do is wait a week and see if the humidity level stabilizes at a more ideal level.  After adding a 50/50 solution, it's not uncommon for the humidity to temporarily dip and peak wildly so it's always best to give it some time first.  If the humidity is still high after a week, you will need to fine-tune the 50/50 mixture in your humidifier by adding a few SMALL drops of Propylene Glycol (PG).  PG is the key ingredient used in 50/50 solutions and is what balances the humidity level.  Normally a 50/50 mixture is enough to create 70% humidity but in some cases, the humidity level may be still either too high or too low.  Adding a few small drops of PG to the humidifier should correct the humidity level.  If however, the humidity level is too low, dilute the PG by adding more distilled water.  After adding more PG, the humidor will need a few more days for the humidity to stabilize.

You can buy Propylene Glycol at most cigar stores, tobacconists, chemistry supply shops and pharmacies/drug stores.

(Important: It should be noted that PG lasts a long time inside a humidor so you only need to add it just once.  Afterwards, simply add distilled water to the humidifier when needed.)

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