Every cigar smoker invests in a humidor with the same goal: to keep cigars fresh, flavoursome, and ready to enjoy. Yet many smokers find themselves disappointed, often because of poor humidor design or simple mistakes in use.
Here are the most common cigar humidor problems we see in the UK — and the straightforward solutions to fix them.
1. Cigars Becoming Too Damp
Why it happens:
- Cigars are stored too close to the humidifier.
- The humidifier is too powerful for the size of the humidor.
Solutions:
- Keep some distance between cigars and the humidifier. In smaller humidors, use a thin cedar sheet as a buffer.
- If cigars are in aluminium tubes, they’re better protected against excess moisture.
- Reduce the evaporation surface with tape, or switch to a smaller humidifier.
- For large or high-value collections, consider an active humidification system with built-in airflow.
2. Cigars Drying Out
Why it happens:
- The humidifier is too small for the humidor.
- New humidors absorb moisture from the air before settling.
Solutions:
- Upgrade to a larger humidifier or invest in an active, regulated system.
- For new humidors, “season” the cedar lining by wiping gently with a damp cloth every few hours until the wood is properly hydrated.
3. Damp Spots and Dry Pockets
Why it happens:
- Trays or drawers restrict airflow.
- Moisture can’t circulate evenly.
Solutions:
- Remove or modify trays (drill extra holes to improve circulation).
- In cabinet humidors, remove some drawers or move the humidifier to the back wall.
- Store cigars in boxes inside the cabinet. Active humidifiers work best in this setup.
4. Musty Smell Inside the Humidor
Why it happens:
- Use of poor-quality materials such as MDF trays or dividers.
- Excessive humidity soaking into the cedar lining.
- Humidors built with unsuitable woods.
Solutions:
- Replace MDF trays or dividers, or seal cut edges with clear lacquer.
- If mustiness persists, re-line the humidor with fresh Spanish cedar.
- Always buy humidors lined in Spanish cedar—it’s the gold standard for both aroma and stability.
5. Mould in the Humidor
Why it happens:
- Extended periods of high humidity.
- Water leakage from the humidifier.
Solutions:
- Empty and clean the humidor: wipe with a damp cloth, sand lightly with fine grit, then dry thoroughly with a hairdryer (around 50°C).
- Do not use vinegar or alcohol — these don’t solve the problem.
- Remove any cigars affected by mould (but don’t confuse mould with cigar bloom/plume, which is harmless).
6. Torn Wrappers or Burst Tips
Why it happens:
- Humidity levels fluctuate too quickly, causing filler to expand faster than the wrapper can handle.
Solutions:
- Keep humidity consistent.
- Use the right size humidifier for your box.
- Serious collectors should invest in a regulated active system.
7. Loss of Flavour (Bouquet) Over Time
Why it happens:
- Storing too few cigars in too large a humidor, leaving too much open space.
- Regularly “airing out” the humidor (a common misconception).
Solutions:
- Fill empty space with sealed cedar boxes to stabilise humidity.
- Store loose singles in boxes rather than scattered across the humidor.
- Do not air your humidor. Instead, reduce humidifier output or upgrade to a regulated system if humidity is creeping too high.
Final Puff
A well-kept humidor is the foundation of cigar enjoyment. Most problems come down to balance: too much humidity, too little airflow, or the wrong size humidifier for the job. By keeping conditions steady and using Spanish cedar, your cigars will reward you with perfect burns and rich flavours.
At Simply Cigars London, we stock a wide range of humidors, humidifiers, digital hygrometers, and active systems to help you get it right from the start.
Explore our humidor collection and give your cigars the home they deserve.