Storing cigars at home

Distilled water should be used when a humidifier containing acrylic polymer is in use. The acrylic polymer releases moisture through fine pores. If ordinary water is used, these pores can become blocked over time, reducing the humidifier’s performance.

It is important to check first that the hygrometer is working correctly. Measuring humidity is not straightforward, and hygrometers – even digital ones – can become miscalibrated quickly and easily. We recommend using the Boveda calibration kit.

Humidity too low

There can be various reasons for humidity levels being too low. First, you should check whether the humidor is airtight. If no damage can be found on the humidor and it is airtight, then the humidifier must be checked.

Cigar humidifiers have a limited lifespan. They need to be replaced from time to time when they no longer perform as required. This becomes apparent when the target humidity of 72% relative humidity is no longer achieved in a plastic container.

If the humidor is being used for the first time, or if it is filled with cigars and the humidity is too low, the humidifier needs a little help. For the humidity in the humidor to rise, the humidity in the cigars and in the wood of the humidor must also rise. This is a slow process and requires more liquid than when the humidity simply needs to be maintained. The best way to do this is to place a small glass of plain water in the humidor until the target humidity is reached. This may take a few days.