How to prepare a humidor

Discover our complete guide to preparing your humidor efficiently and keeping your cigars in perfect condition...

The acquisition of a humidor is an essential step for any cigar enthusiast wishing to preserve their collection in optimum conditions. However, a humidor can only function properly if it is carefully prepared. Proper preparation ensures stable humidity and temperature levels, creating the ideal environment for preserving the flavours and aromas of your cigars over the long term. In this comprehensive guide, we take you through all the essential steps to prepare your humidor efficiently and ensure optimum preservation of your cigars.

Why is it essential to prepare your humidor before placing your cigars in it?

A humidor is designed to storing your cigars under ideal conditions: a relative humidity of 70 to 75 % and a temperature between 18 and 22°C. However, most humidors have interior walls made of Spanish cedar, a hygroscopic material that naturally absorbs humidity. If you place your cigars in a humidor unprepared, the wood will absorb moisture from your cigars, drying them out and impairing their quality. To avoid this, it's essential to moisten the cedar walls of your humidor before placing your cigars inside.

The equipment you need to prepare your humidor

Before you start preparing your humidor, make sure you have the following items to hand:

• A humidifier and hygrometer (these are usually supplied with your humidor).
• Distilled water ( ⚠️ Never use tap water).
• A new sponge or clean cloth.
• A resealable plastic bag.

Step 1: Calibrer l'hygromètre

A hygrometer is essential for measuring the humidity in your humidor. Although hygrometers are generally factory-calibrated, it's a good idea to check their accuracy before using them.

Salt calibration method :

This method uses the hygroscopic power of salt to produce a stable environment at 75 % humidity:

• In a small container, such as a bottle cap, place a teaspoon of salt and add a few drops of distilled water. Mix to a paste, taking care not to add too much water so that the salt doesn't dissolve completely.
  • Place the cap containing the mixture and your hygrometer in an airtight plastic bag.
  • Let it stand for 8 to 12 hours. At the end of this time, your hygrometer should read 75 % of humidity.
  • If this is not the case, turn the screw on the back of your hygrometer until the needle points to 75 % (for analog models) or note the margin of error for future measurements (for digital models).

Use a humidity calibration kit

Calibration kits, such as humidity calibration kits Bovedaare simple, reliable alternatives to the manual salt calibration method. These all-in-one kits contain a watertight ziplock bag and a perfectly calibrated salt/water solution. Simply place your hygrometer inside the bag, close it and wait 24 hours. These kits are accurate to +/- 0.5%, reducing the margin of error when calibrating hygrometers.

Step 2: Moisten the wood of your humidor

The wood of the humidor must be moistened to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the cigars. There are two possible methods for this step:

Gentle sponge method:

• Take a clean sponge and soak it lightly in distilled water.
  • Then place a plastic bag with the slightly dampened sponge at the bottom of the humidor and close the humidor.
  • Wait 48 hours to allow the wood to fully impregnate.

Method " Wipedown " (fast) :

• Soak a clean cloth or sponge in distilled water (not too much to avoid damaging the wood).
  • Lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water, then gently wipe all the inside walls of the humidor, including shelves and dividers.
  • Repeat the operation 4 or 5 times, leaving the cellar closed for 5 minutes between each pass, until the wood stops absorbing water and turns slightly pink.
  • Close the humidor for 24 hours to allow the moisture to distribute.

⚠️ Some cigar humidors, such as the Elie Bleu exceptional humidorsare made from special woods for which this method is not recommended. If you own a particular model, ask your manufacturer about the best method to use.

Step 3: Preparing and installing the'humidifier

The humidifier is a tank that maintains a constant level of humidity in your humidor.

Preparation:

• Immerse your humidifier in distilled water for 15 to 30 minutes to allow it to soak thoroughly.
  • Remove the humidifier and shake off excess water. Then place it face down on a paper towel for 20 to 30 minutes. Once you've done this, check that no drops are escaping from your humidifier before placing it in your humidor.
  • If you wish, you can use a solution based on propylene glycol and distilled water (50/50) to further stabilize humidity and prevent the risk of mold. This solution is particularly recommended when you rarely open your humidor.

Installation:

• Place the humidifier in the humidor, securing it to one of the walls to prevent it coming into direct contact with the cigars.
  • Leave your humidor closed for 48 hours to allow the humidity to stabilize.

Step 4: Stabilize and check moisture content

After 48 hours, humidity should stabilize at around 70 % to 75 %.

• If the humidity is too low, place a sponge slightly dampened with distilled water in a plastic bag and leave it in your humidor for 24 hours.

• If the humidity is too high (over 75 %), leave the humidor open for a few hours, then check the humidity again.

Maintaining your humidor

Once you've prepared your humidor, a few regular maintenance steps are necessary to maintain optimal storage conditions:

• Check the humidity level at least once a week to ensure that it remains between 70 % and 75 %.
• Refill the humidifier with distilled water as soon as it begins to empty.
• Aerate your humidor at least once a month by opening it for a few minutes to renew the air and prevent the build-up of stagnant humidity.
• Clean the inside of your humidor and humidifier every 3 to 6 months to prevent the build-up of mold and tobacco residue.
• If your humidor is not equipped with a temperature regulator, make sure you keep it in a cool, dry place, away from heat.

For best preservation, try to keep your humidor at least two-thirds full. The presence of cigars helps stabilize hygrometry.

Conclusion

Preparing a humidor takes time and patience, but it's an essential step for cigar enthusiasts who want to preserve the quality of their cigars over time. A well-maintained humidor will enable you to fully enjoy the aromas of your cigars, and even enhance your tasting experience.

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