When you first receive your new humidor, it’s tempting to fill it immediately with your prized cigars. However, if you do this before properly preparing it, you risk drying out your cigars and ruining them.
Why? Because the Spanish cedar lining inside your humidor is kiln-dried and must reach its humidity equilibrium of around 65% before it can safely store cigars. Without conditioning, the dry wood will literally absorb the moisture from your cigars.
To avoid this, every new humidor must be seasoned (re-humidified) before use. Follow these simple steps to prepare your humidor correctly.
Step 1 – Prepare the Humidor
- Place a shot glass filled with distilled water or Simply Cigars Humidification Solution in the bottom of the humidor.
- Charge your humidifier and place it inside.
- Insert your calibrated hygrometer.
- Close the lid and leave it sealed.
- Check the humidity daily. When it stabilises between 65–70%, your humidor is ready for use.
Important: Never wipe the interior of your humidor with water. Doing so will damage the Spanish cedar lining.
Your Hygrometer
All Simply Cigars humidors (except travel humidors) include a pre-calibrated hygrometer for accurate humidity readings.
Many cigar enthusiasts mistakenly believe that if their humidor does not remain exactly at 65%, it is faulty. This is not true. The safe range for cigar storage is between 60–75%. Some prefer slightly moister cigars, others a little drier — it’s a matter of taste.
Placement is not critical, but allow air to circulate around the hygrometer. Mounting it on the lid or tray ensures accurate readings.
The Humidifier
The humidifier regulates humidity levels inside your humidor. To charge it:
- Remove the humidifier from the humidor.
- Fill it with Simply Cigars Humidification Solution (a blend of distilled water and propylene glycol) or distilled water.
- Do not overfill — it should be damp, not dripping wet.
- Wipe away any excess liquid before reattaching.
If your cigars feel dry, rinse the oasis with distilled water and adjust the ratio of humidification solution to water. Remember, distilled water increases humidity while propylene glycol solution helps stabilise and reduce it. Seasonal variations may require minor adjustments.
Caring for Your Cigars
Havana cigars, like fine wines, mature beautifully over time — often improving for up to 15 years when stored correctly.
Keep your humidor topped up with humidification solution to maintain a steady 65% relative humidity (+/- 2%).
- Ideal temperature: 65°F–72°F (18°C–22°C)
- Ideal humidity: 60–70% RH
To test your cigars, gently press below the band:
- Firm and springy = perfect condition
- Hard and brittle = too dry
- Soft and spongy = over-humidified
You may occasionally see a white “bloom” on your cigars — a harmless crystallisation of oils, not mould. Simply brush it off gently with a soft bristle brush (a shaving brush works perfectly).
Always open your humidor occasionally to allow fresh air circulation, and rotate your cigars weekly to maintain even humidity distribution. Avoid storing lighters, cutters, or accessories inside the cigar compartment.
Caring for Your Humidor
A quality humidor will last a lifetime with proper care. Follow these tips:
- Keep it in a safe, stable location away from heat or moisture.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent warping or fading.
- Never place heavy objects on top.
- Clean only with a soft cloth — use beeswax or light furniture polish externally if desired.
- Do not wipe the interior with any liquid.
Regular dusting and occasional polishing will keep your humidor looking and performing like new.