Have you ever been tempted to buy a vintage humidor on eBay, but worried about how effective it might be? Many of these classic humidors were crafted by English cabinet makers long before cheap imports from China, and the equivalent today would cost thousands from luxury makers like David Linley. If the condition doesn’t put you off, you could be pleasantly surprised — but restoration and care are key.
Step 1: Inspect the Interior
Before you even think of storing cigars, check the interior carefully. Look for water damage, cracks, or warped cedar. Minor surface marks aren’t an issue, but a compromised structure may affect performance.
Step 2: Clean and Refresh the Cedar
- Lightly sand the interior cedar with fine sandpaper to remove stains.
- Thoroughly vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment to remove dust and residue.
- Leave the humidor open for a few days — many vintage humidors may not have been opened for years.
Step 3: Replace the Humidification Device
Never use tap water. Mineral traces leave chalky deposits, which can ruin cigars with an unpleasant alkaline taste. Vintage humidors often have aqua-foam humidification devices — inexpensive to replace. If you’ve been lucky enough to find a vintage Dunhill humidor, you can usually replace the foam inside the original device.
Tip: Many old humidors lack a hygrometer. For accuracy, add a modern digital hygrometer.
Step 4: Season the Humidor
Seasoning allows the cedar to absorb humidity, ensuring stable conditions before cigars are introduced.
- With a clean, unscented sponge soaked in distilled water, wipe down all interior surfaces (walls, lid, trays, dividers).
- Place the damp sponge inside on a plastic bag to avoid direct wood contact.
- Fill the humidification device with distilled water or solution, then wipe it down and let it sit on a towel for 30 minutes before replacing inside.
- Close the lid and leave overnight.
- Repeat the process the next day if the sponge has dried.
After 48 hours, remove the sponge. The cedar walls should now be fully seasoned and ready to house cigars.
When to Buy New
Restoring a vintage humidor is rewarding, but it can be time-consuming. If it feels like too much work — or you’d simply prefer peace of mind — you can always buy a Simply Cigars humidor, perfectly seasoned and ready to use straight away.
Final Puff
A vintage humidor can be a showpiece as well as a practical home for your cigars. With careful cleaning, proper seasoning, and updated humidification, these timeless boxes can still do their job beautifully — and with more style than many modern alternatives.