If you have just bought a humidor, or if you have had your humidor for a while but it doesn’t seem to be holding the humidity at the right level, then you may need to season it.
If you want to know more about how to season a humidor then keep on reading!
What Does Seasoning A Humidor Mean?
Seasoning a humidor simply means getting it ready for use. When you season your humidor, you are conditioning the wood so that it can better absorb and hold moisture.
It is important to know how to season a humidor because if it is not properly seasoned, it will not be able to keep your cigars fresh.
How To Season A Humidor
If you’re a cigar aficionado, then you know that a humidor is essential for storing your cigars. But before you can start using it, you need to know how to season a humidor first.
Seasoning a humidor helps to create the perfect environment for storing cigars, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Clean The Humidor
Before seasoning a humidor, it is important to first clean the interior.
This will help to remove any build-up of oils or other residues that could interfere with the seasoning process.
To clean the humidor, start by removing all of the cigars and accessories.
Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside surfaces, paying special attention to any areas that seem particularly dirty.
Once the interior is clean, dry it off with a soft towel before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Add The Humidifier
The next step is to add the humidifier to the humidor.
This can be either a sponge or a gel-type humidifier, but it is important to make sure that it is properly calibrated before using it.
There are a variety of humidifiers available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is the right size for your humidor.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adding the humidifier.
Step 3: Fill The Humidor With Distilled Water Or Propylene Glycol.
Once the humidifier is in place, the next step is to fill it with either distilled water or propylene glycol.
If you are using distilled water, be sure to add enough so that the humidifier is completely submerged.
If you are using propylene glycol, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding it to the humidifier.
Step 4: Close The Humidor And Wait
Once the humidifier is filled, close the humidor and wait 24 hours before opening it again.
This will give the wood time to absorb the moisture from the humidifier and become properly seasoned.
Step 5: Check The Humidity Level And Adjust As Needed
After 24 hours have passed, it is time to check the humidity level inside the humidor. This can be done with a hygrometer, which is a tool that measures the relative humidity.
The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is between 65% and 75%.
If the level is too low, it will cause the cigars to dry out and become brittle. If the level is too high, it will cause the cigars to become moldy.
If the humidity level is not within the ideal range, adjust the amount of water or propylene glycol in the humidifier until it is.
Step 6: Add Your Cigars And Enjoy!
Once the humidity level is where it needs to be, you can add your cigars to the humidor and enjoy them!
Just be sure to check the level periodically and add more water or propylene glycol as needed.
Here’s a great video showing you all the tips on how to season a humidor:
How To Choose The Best Humidor For You
Now that you know how to season a humidor, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs.
Here are 10 tips on how to choose the best humidor:
Decide What Capacity You Need
Humidors come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will accommodate your smoking habits.
If you only smoke a few cigars per week, then a small humidor will suffice. However, if you’re a regular smoker, then you’ll need a larger humidor that can hold up to 50 cigars.
Consider The Material
Humidors are typically made from wood, glass, or metal. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
For example, wood humidors tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, but they require more maintenance than metal or glass humidors.
Think About Atmosphere Control
If you live in an area with high humidity levels, then you’ll need a humidor with good atmosphere control.
This means that the humidor should have a tight seal in order to prevent outside air from entering and affecting the cigars.
Read More: How To Store Cigars Long Term Storing cigars long-term is an essential skill for many cigar smokers.
Consider The Isolation Factor
If you want to store your cigars for long periods of time, then you’ll need a humidor with good isolation properties.
This means that the humidor should be well-sealed in order to prevent outside air from entering and affecting the cigars.
Go For Simplicity
It’s important to choose a humidor that is easy to use. This means avoiding complex features like digital hygrometers and self-regulating systems.
Instead, opt for a simple analog hygrometer that is easy to calibrate.
Check For Good Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for keeping cigars fresh.
The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is 65%, so make sure that the humidor has adequate ventilation in order to maintain this level.
Pick An Attractive Design
Not all humidors have to be functional pieces of art, but it is important to choose one that appeals to you aesthetically.
After all, you’ll be looking at it every time you smoke a cigar!
Get A Warranty
Given the potential cost of some high-end humidors, it’s always wise to get some sort of warranty or guarantee in case something goes wrong.
Do Your Research
Before making any final decisions, be sure to do your research and read reviews from other cigar smokers.
This will help ensure that you’re getting the best possible product for your needs.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to season a humidor, it’s time to start enjoying your cigars! Just be sure to check the humidity level periodically and add water or propylene glycol as needed.
Happy smoking!