I recently ordered the sampler and 20 ct humidor from cigar.com. This is my first humidor and I can definetely see why everyone recommends purchasing a much larger humidor, but for now it will have to do. It seems that the humidity level is way off and I'm not sure if I seasoned it properly, or the round humidifier has not soaked in distilled water long enough. I have a shipment of cigars coming in the next few days and want to make sure the humidor will keep them from drying out. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Mike

mcadenhead:

I recently ordered the sampler and 20 ct humidor from cigar.com. This is my first humidor and I can definetely see why everyone recommends purchasing a much larger humidor, but for now it will have to do. It seems that the humidity level is way off and I'm not sure if I seasoned it properly, or the round humidifier has not soaked in distilled water long enough. I have a shipment of cigars coming in the next few days and want to make sure the humidor will keep them from drying out. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Mike

Hi Mike. Also WELCOME!
I need to know a few things before I can offer any help.
Do you have a digital hygrometer? If not get one, as the mechanical type won't give you the piece of mind that your cigars are well maintained.
What is the present RH % of your humidor? You mentioned it was "way off" but in which direction? Too high, too low?
How did you season your humidor? Did you wipe it down? Use distilled water?
If you can provide a little more info. Mike, we can get that humi all ready for those new arrivals, in time.

PS, drop by the new members thread and introduce yourslef when you get a minute Mike.

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I currently do not have a hydrometer. I'm assuming I can purchase one at my local cigar shop? I wiped it down with distilled water, and soaked the humidifier for about 2 hours. I've read suggestions about leaving a sponge soaked in distilled water in the humidor for 48 hours. I did not do this. Would the humidifier do the same thing?

mcadenhead:

I currently do not have a hydrometer. I'm assuming I can purchase one at my local cigar shop? I wiped it down with distilled water, and soaked the humidifier for about 2 hours. I've read suggestions about leaving a sponge soaked in distilled water in the humidor for 48 hours. I did not do this. Would the humidifier do the same thing?

This has been discussed here lately. I am guessing that your humidity is way high? The humidifier shouldn't be soaked for that long I don't think. You can just leave your humi open for a day or so and keep checking the RH.
Yes you can get a digital hygro at a cigar shop but chances are you could get one from Heartfelt (and you could get some beads for humidification at the same time) as fast and cheaper.
Most guys here don't use those humidifiers as they are too much work to maintain (if it is the kind that came with the Humi) and switch to beads. Checkout Heartfelt at this link... http://heartfeltindustries.com/
You will learn lot's there. Keep us updated and you can still get there before your sticks need a new home.

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Thanks for that website info. Very informative!

Just my .02:

I'm pretty sure I have the same 20ct humidor that you're referring to. I too had some issues getting my humidity right, but after letting it sit with a shot glass of distilled water in it for about a week, it held fine at 70%. Now with it full of sticks and some 65% Heartfelt beads it holds perfectly at 65%. Don't worry too much about it my friend - follow the advice you'll find here, stick around a while, and you'll soon find yourself not only resplendent in sticks, but surrounded by friends as well.

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For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3

Thanks for the great advice everyone. Is the consensus that the beads work better than the round humidifier that came with the humidor?

mcadenhead:

Thanks for the great advice everyone. Is the consensus that the beads work better than the round humidifier that came with the humidor?

not only yes, but HELL yes. When I buy a humidor, there are 3 mandatory things I always buy for it.

1. Digital Hydrometer
2. BEADS from Heartfelt, sooo much better than foam.
3. of course, more cigars ;)

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"Long ashes my friends"

Krieg:

mcadenhead:

Thanks for the great advice everyone. Is the consensus that the beads work better than the round humidifier that came with the humidor?

not only yes, but HELL yes. When I buy a humidor, there are 3 mandatory things I always buy for it.

1. Digital Hydrometer
2. BEADS from Heartfelt, sooo much better than foam.
3. of course, more cigars ;)

Agreed. Oh, and I forgot to mention: You can find digital hygrometers all over the place, but WalMart has one for $7 that's been working great for me and a couple of other fellas. Springfield Digital Thermometer/Hygrometer...

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For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3

Krieg:

mcadenhead:

Thanks for the great advice everyone. Is the consensus that the beads work better than the round humidifier that came with the humidor?

not only yes, but HELL yes. When I buy a humidor, there are 3 mandatory things I always buy for it.

1. Digital Hydrometer
2. BEADS from Heartfelt, sooo much better than foam.
3. of course, more cigars ;)

especially the 3rd one, which is why I get in so much trouble....

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FAV. Smokes are in my Profile....Reviews

So, I stopped by my local shop today and think I learned my mistake. I used purified water instead of distilled. I guess we all have to learn from our mistakes. I bought a new humidifier and another, much larger, humidor. My new shipment will have a home!

mcadenhead:

So, I stopped by my local shop today and think I learned my mistake. I used purified water instead of distilled. I guess we all have to learn from our mistakes. I bought a new humidifier and another, much larger, humidor. My new shipment will have a home!

As far as your RH problems go...water is wet, regardless of being purified or distilled. That would have NOTHING to do with your over humidification problems.
You can clean the inside of your wrongly treated Humi with alcohol as this will kill any bacteria so mold won't be a problem later. Then you can re-season it properly and use it for an overflow humi.

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Hey I'm right in the same boat with you man. I was doing pretty good with my thirty count or whatever size it is. After getting some rocking deals from splits and recently found ones I need a new one. And just got the needed stuff to make it run right.

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My toys 2006 650r Ninja, 2008 chevy cobalt w/ 2 Memphis 10" m3 in a ported box, pr1000 watt amp, pr4-50 watt, m3 speakers around, and 6" pioneer double din.

Thewelder:

Hey I'm right in the same boat with you man. I was doing pretty good with my thirty count or whatever size it is. After getting some rocking deals from splits and recently found ones I need a new one. And just got the needed stuff to make it run right.

Don't worry. You'll get a larger humidor, fill it, and then ask yourself, "why the hell did I buy ANOTHER small humidor?" and then you'll get a coolidor, fill it, and then ask yourself, "why the hell did I buy the 48 qt cooler and not the 75 qt?" True story.

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My favs are in my bio! You should do the same!

dennisking:

Every time you call in on your Ccom order, I suggest saying "All Hail the Beard" before you hang up. It's like a secret handshake.

I bought a digital hygrometer, and a new humidifier. The hygrometer is reading 64 degrees, and 66% humidity. Is this where I want it? What are they optimal numbers?