Expert: James Yee - 5/11/2006

Question
Hi James I have read some great info on this site but I do have a question .....I resently purchased a humidor while in Cuba ( and some Cohiba's to fill it ). I have been in the prosess of seasoning it for about 2 weeks and could not get the humidity to hold at 70 (it would get there then over a few days would drop ) to about 62. As a last resort I purchased a propylene glycol solution and have been using it for the past 2 days it did bring it up to 70 but I have read not to use the solution in place of water for a long period of time is this true .......thx in advance for any info

P.S I have not place my cigars in the humidor yet for fear of ruining them...

Answer
Guy,

Yes, to maintain a proper humidity level, you can use a Propylene Glycol mixture indefinitely in your humidor if you wanted.  However, for optimum performance, it should always be used with distilled water.  (NOTE: It can be used on its own but I always find it to perform best when mixed with water.)  Be sure that the mixture is an equal 1 part Propylene Glycol to 1 part distilled water (50/50).  Propylene Glycol can pick up particles in the air (such as smoke) and be less "potent" (or even diminish) over time so it's best to change it every 12 to 18 months just to keep things "fresh".

Sometimes a low humidity level could be the result of a defective humidor or hygrometer so before you begin to use a propylene glycol solution, make sure your hygrometer is properly calibrated and the humidor is free of any construction flaws or defects that would let the humidity out.

Hopes this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James.