Expert: James Yee - 4/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hey James,

I just got this nice humidor and I followed all the instructions that it came w/ to get it ready. I callibrated the hygrometer, put 50/50 solution in the humidifier, and put a glass of 50/50 in the humidor itself. I let it set for a day and the hygrometer read 72% so I put my cigars in. The next day the humidity level was 40% ! I took the cigars out, added distilled water to the humidifier, and put a glass of it inside as well. 2 days later it is at 50%.
Should I return the humidor?

Thanks in advance,

Usman
ANSWER: Hi Usman,

When you're using a new humidor for the first time, it's important to remember that it will take a least a week for the humidity level to stabilize; especially if you use a 50/50 propylene glycol mixture.  Also, when adding cigars (especially lots of dry cigars) to your new humidor, keep in mind that your cigars will act like sponges and absorb as much humidity as possible to rehydrate them.  Because of this, the humidity will drop and rise uncontrollably during the first 2 weeks and all you should do is just add distilled water to the humidification device when needed.  The 50/50 propylene glycol solution should level the humidity out perfectly at 70% humidity within a week or two so just leave your cigars in the humidor and let everything stabilize.  After the humidity levels out at 70%, you should remove the glass of 50/50 mixture.  With a 50/50 propylene glycol mixture, the humidification device should be more than enough.  (Unless you have a large humidor and a small humidification which in this case, substitute a second humidification device in place of the glass of 50/50.)

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask! :)

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the info. One more question: the glass I have currently in the humidor is filled w/ distilled water. Should I remove it and put one in with 50/50 solution?

Answer
Hi Usman,

The humidifier with the 50/50 mixture should be enough to create 70% humidity inside your humidor so the glass of distilled water may not be necessary at all.  Remove the glass of water altogether and let your humidor sit for two weeks with just the humidification device.  If after a couple of weeks, the humidity is less than 70%, add the glass with distilled water only.  There's no need to add more propylene glycol to your humidor unless the humidity is extremely too high.  If the humidity is too high, add a tiny bit more propylene glycol.  If the humidity is too low, add a bit more distilled water.

Hopes this answers your question.

Regards,
James