Expert: James Yee - 2/4/2011

Question
My cigar store sold me a Xikar jar, pre-filled with magic beads.  Just unscrew the top, and voila!  When it's level goes down below the line, refill with "Xikar Propylene Glycol solution".  As far as I am aware, that is plumbing antifreeze.  Is there a reason why I should pay them the outrageous price for their magic solution, or can I just refill with plumbing antifreeze?  Do you know the chemistry behind all of this?

Thanks,

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

Food-grade Propylene Glycol (PG) is commonly used in humidors to help maintain an ideal humidity level.  Because it has hygroscopic properties, PG will absorb the distilled water in your humidor's humdifier and limit the humidity output to a more reasonable level.  This is extremely handy if your humidor's humidifier produces too much humidity (75% or more), which is bad for your cigars.  A 50/50 mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water should create exactly 70% humidity which is ideal for your cigars.  

Propylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol/Distilled water humidor solutions are commonly sold in cigar stores and are perfectly safe to use in your humidor.  Because PG can last a long time in a humidor (on average, 2 years), you only need to add it just once to your humidor.  After that, simply add distilled water when needed.  When the humidity level begins to rise to extremely high levels, add a tiny bit more PG.

You only need to add a PG solution to your humidor IF you have high humidity problems.  If your humidor/humi-jar can maintain 70% humidity (67-73% is acceptable) on its own, you do not need PG.

As an inexpensive alterative, it's possible to mix your own humidor solution with propylene glycol and distilled water.  Start by adding 1 equal part PG and 1 equal part distilled water to your humidor’s humidifier and that should create exactly 70% humidity in your humidor.  If the humidity level is still high, add a few small drops of PG to fine-tune the mixture.  If the humidity level is too low, add a bit more distilled water to dilute the mixture.  Propylene Glycol can be purchased at most cigar stores, tobacconists and pharmacies/drug stores and Distilled water can be purchased at most supermarkets and health food shops. I wouldn't suggest using plumbing antifreeze as it may contain extra ingredients that are harmful to your cigars, humidor and/or humidification device.

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