Taking care of your humidor

Cigar humidors are a great way to keep your cigars fresh and tasty. But if you don't take care of them properly, they can quickly become a disaster. In this blog post, we'll show you how to maintain your humidor so it stays in tip-top shape. We'll also share some tips for keeping your cigars in tip-top shape

The humidor: how to take care of it?

Humidity

To keep your cigars fresh, it is important to maintain a relative humidity (RH) level between 68% and 72%. If the RH level in your humidor falls below 68%, your cigars will dry out and become brittle. If the RH level in your humidor exceeds 75%, your cigars will absorb too much moisture and become doughy.

There are several ways to monitor the relative humidity level in your basement:

1. Use a hygrometer: A hygrometer is an instrument that measures the amount of water vapor in the air. You can find an analog or digital hygrometer on our online store specializing in cigars and their accessories.
2. Use bags Boveda : The bags Boveda are small pouches filled with an exclusive mixture of salt, water and cellulose fiber. They are available in different sizes, depending on the size of your cellar.
3. Use distilled water: Distilled water contains no minerals, so it will not leave any residue on your cigars or inside your humidor. Simply fill a small bowl with distilled water and place it in your humidor. Check the bowl every few days to see if it needs to be refilled.

Temperature

You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your cellar:

1. Hang a thermometer inside the cellar: you can find analog or digital thermometers.
2. Place a thermometer inside the cigar box: many high-end cigar boxes come with built-in thermometers.
3. Use a wireless digital thermometer: these devices usually have multiple probes, so you can place one probe inside the cigar box and another outside, this is useful if you store multiple cigar boxes in a large cabinet.
4. Check the room temperature: this is especially important if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.
5. Use a cooling/heating system: some people choose to use cooling/heating systems designed specifically for cigar storage, these systems help maintain consistent temperatures inside the humidor, which is ideal for long-term cigar storage.

A few tips for maintaining your humidor

Black soap

Black soap is a natural product made from the ashes of plants. It is an effective cleaner and can be used to clean your cellar.

White vinegar

White vinegar is a mild acid that can be used to clean your basement. It is also effective in removing water stains from inside your cellar.

Products to avoid to avoid damaging your cellar

Disinfectant, acetone, and alcohol are all products you should avoid using on or near your humidor, as they can damage the wood and/or seals. Disinfectant is a strong cleaning product that can remove the finish from your humidor, leaving it more susceptible to damage. Acetone is another product to avoid, as it can dissolve the glue that holds your humidor together. Alcohol can also damage the wood in your humidor, so it's best to avoid using it near your cigars.

Conclusion

A humidor is a great way to store your cigars and keep them cool. However, it is important to properly maintain your humidor so that your cigars do not get damaged. Some simple tips for maintaining your humidor include controlling the humidity, temperature and ventilation, as well as using black soap, bleach and white vinegar to clean it. Also, avoid using disinfectants, acetone or alcohol inside the cellar as they can damage the wood. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cigars will stay fresh and taste great for years to come.