Why Are My Cigars Drying Out? 5 Common Causes & Solutions

Few things frustrate cigar enthusiasts more than discovering their cigars have dried out. A dry cigar can burn too hot, lose its rich flavors, and become brittle and unpleasant to smoke. If you’ve been struggling to keep your cigars in prime condition, you’re not alone. Here are five common reasons why cigars dry out and what you can do to prevent it.

1. Improper Humidor Maintenance

Your humidor is your cigar’s best friend, but only if it’s properly maintained. If the internal humidity level drops below 65%, your cigars will begin to lose moisture. This can happen due to a poorly calibrated hygrometer, infrequent refilling of the humidification device, or leaks in the humidor’s seal.

Solution:

• Regularly check and calibrate your hygrometer to ensure accurate readings.
• Refill or replace your humidification device as needed, using distilled water or a quality propylene glycol solution.
• Test the humidor’s seal by closing it on a dollar bill—if you can easily pull the bill out, the seal may need repair or replacement.

2. Storing Cigars Without a Humidor

Leaving cigars out in the open air or in an improperly sealed container exposes them to fluctuating humidity levels, causing them to dry out quickly.

Solution:

• Always store your cigars in a properly seasoned humidor.
• If a humidor is unavailable, consider using a temporary airtight container with a humidity control pack, such as Boveda packs.
• Cigar Star offers Spanish cedar accessories like airflow racks, trays, and dividers that help maintain humidity in airtight storage solutions.

3. Exposure to Direct Sunlight or Heat

Cigars are sensitive to temperature changes, and exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat can quickly evaporate the moisture inside them.

Solution:

• Keep your humidor in a cool, shaded area, away from direct sunlight and heating vents.
• Avoid placing your humidor on countertops near windows or in warm rooms where temperature spikes are common.
• If traveling with cigars, use an insulated travel humidor to protect them from heat exposure.

4. Using Tap Water in Humidifiers

Tap water contains minerals, chlorine, and impurities that can clog humidifiers, reduce their effectiveness, and even introduce mold into the humidor. When the humidifier fails to function properly, the humidity levels drop, leading to dry cigars.

Solution:

• Only use distilled water or a propylene glycol solution in your humidification devices.
• Consider upgrading to polymer crystal humidifiers, which provide more consistent humidity regulation.
• If using Boveda packs, replace them as needed to maintain stable humidity levels.

5. Fluctuating Humidity Levels

Constant changes in humidity—either from inconsistent humidor maintenance, opening the humidor too frequently, or poor-quality humidification devices—can cause cigars to dry out.

Solution:

• Monitor your humidor’s humidity levels consistently with a digital hygrometer.
• Avoid opening the humidor excessively, as this lets out moisture and disrupts stability.
• Upgrade your humidification system to include Spanish cedar, which naturally helps regulate humidity.

How to Rehydrate Dry Cigars

If your cigars have already dried out, don’t toss them just yet! Follow these steps to bring them back to life:

1. Place cigars in an airtight container with a Boveda pack (65%–69% RH) or a humidification device.
2. Gradually increase the humidity over a period of 1–2 weeks to prevent cracking or bursting.
3. Once revived, transfer them back to a properly maintained humidor.

Preventing dry cigars is all about maintaining stable humidity levels. Whether you use a traditional wooden humidor, a travel case, or an airtight storage system with Spanish cedar accessories, keeping your cigars at the ideal 65%-70% relative humidity will ensure a smooth, flavorful smoke every time.

If you’re looking for premium cigar storage solutions, check out Cigar Star’s selection of high-quality humidors, humidification devices, and Spanish cedar accessories to keep your cigars in perfect condition.