Why Does My Humidity Keep Dropping in My Humidor?
Why Does My Humidity Keep Dropping in My Humidor?
If you’ve noticed that the humidity in your humidor keeps dropping, you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common challenges faced by cigar smokers.
How to increase humidity in your humidor is critical for keeping your cigars fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy.
When the humidity level drops, it can dry out your cigars, leading to cracking, uneven burning, hash flavor of the cigar not to mention just a poor smoking experience.
Let’s explore the possible reasons behind this issue and some effective solutions to restore the ideal relative humidity levels inside your humidor.
Common Reasons for Humidity Drops in Your Humidor
Inadequate Humidor Seasoning.
A new or recently humidor may not be properly seasoned. Spanish cedar, the material used in most humidors, needs to absorb moisture to regulate humidity effectively.
Without proper seasoning, the wood draws moisture away from the cigars and the humidification device, leading to a drop in humidity.
Many times, dry cigars are placed inside a humidor that was recently seasoned and when these dried cigars are placed inside the humidor they absorb the humidity quickly.
Furthermore, this will cause a drop in humidity. Each cigar will hold 1.5 grams of humidity to age properly.
Faulty Humidification System
Did you know, humidification devices like sponges or gel packs can dry out or lose effectiveness.
If your device isn’t functioning as it should, it will not maintain the desired humidity levels.
Cigar Star offers many premium humidifiers from polymer crystals to Boveda packs.
Furthermore, sponge based humidifiers should never be used anymore, polymer crystals are ideal, although should be replaced every couple years to maintain effectiveness and peak performance.
Poor Seal on the Humidor
If the seal on your humidor isn’t airtight, moisture will escape, causing humidity levels to drop.
A poor seal could result from wear and tear, low-quality construction, or improper closing of the lid.
To test this, you should hold the lid a couple inches above the humidor body and drop it. You should have a “swoosh” sound ensuring a airtight seal.
Another way to test this is to use painters tape and tape to entire seal to see if this improves RH levels from dropping.
Environmental Factors
The environment where your humidor is placed can significantly affect its performance.
Low ambient humidity, direct sunlight, or fluctuating temperatures can cause the internal humidity to drop or rise.
Never have your humidor where direct sunlight is on your humidor. Always keep away from air vents.
Under packing Your Humidor
Under packing can disrupt airflow within the humidor, making it harder to maintain consistent humidity.
How to Fix Dropping Humidity Levels
Season Your Humidor
Use a damp cloth or a Boveda seasoning pack to gently introduce moisture to the interior.
Let it sit for 48–72 hours before adding your cigars. This ensures the wood has absorbed enough moisture to stabilize the humidity.
Upgrade or Replace Your Humidification Device
Consider using modern humidification solutions like Boveda packs or electronic humidifiers. These devices are highly reliable and take the guesswork out of maintaining the right humidity level.
Check and Improve the Seal
Test the seal by placing a thin piece of paper in the lid and closing it. If you can pull the paper out easily, the seal might be the issue. Use a humidifier tape or invest in a higher-quality humidor if needed.
Control the Environment
Keep your humidor in a stable environment away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or air conditioning units. Consider placing it in a room with moderate temperature and humidity levels to minimize fluctuations.
Maintain Proper Cigar Load
Aim to keep your humidor about two-thirds full. This allows for proper air circulation while maintaining the necessary humidity levels.
You can also keep your humidor full if it has a Spanish cedar flow rack on the bottom that allows for circulation of airflow.
Conclusion
Humidity drops in your humidor can be frustrating, but with the right adjustments, you can resolve the issue and protect your cigars. Regular maintenance, proper seasoning, and attention to environmental factors are the keys to keeping your cigars in perfect condition. By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that your humidor remains a reliable home for your prized collection.
For more tips on cigar care and storage, check out our premium line of humidification products, including Spanish cedar accessories and Boveda packs, designed to make cigar maintenance effortless.