Before you store cigars in a new humidor, you need to season it first. Seasoning is the process of saturating the Spanish cedar wood lining with moisture so it does not steal humidity from your cigars. The big question is: how long does this take?
Table Of Contents
−- The Quick Answer
- Seasoning Time for Each Method
- Boveda 84% Packs Take 14 Days
- Distilled Water and Sponge Takes 5-7 Days
- Shot Glass Method Takes 5-7 Days
- Wipe-Down Method Takes 2-4 Days But Has Risks
- Electric Humidors Take 24-72 Hours
- What Makes Seasoning Take Longer
- How to Know When Your Humidor Is Ready
- Can You Speed Up the Process
- The Bottom Line
The short answer: anywhere from 2 to 14 days, depending on your method. This guide breaks down the exact timelines for each approach so you know what to expect.
The Quick Answer
- Boveda 84% packs: 14 days
- Distilled water and sponge: 5-7 days
- Shot glass method: 5-7 days
- Wipe-down method: 2-4 days (but risky)
- Electric humidors: 24-72 hours
Seasoning Time for Each Method
| Method | Time | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boveda 84% Packs | 14 days | Easiest | Beginners |
| Distilled Water + Sponge | 5-7 days | Moderate | Budget-conscious |
| Shot Glass Method | 5-7 days | Moderate | Small humidors |
| Wipe-Down Method | 2-4 days | Risky | Experienced users |
| Electric Humidor | 24-72 hours | Easy | Large collections |
Boveda 84% Packs Take 14 Days
This is the slowest method but also the most reliable. Boveda recommends a full 14 days because the wood needs time to slowly absorb moisture without warping. Do not open the humidor during this period, no matter what your hygrometer shows. After 14 days, remove the seasoning packs and replace them with your regular maintenance packs (65%, 69%, or 72%).
Distilled Water and Sponge Takes 5-7 Days
Soak a new sponge with distilled water, wring it out so it is damp but not dripping, and place it on a plastic bag inside the humidor. Close the lid and check every 24 hours. Re-dampen the sponge as needed. Most humidors reach 70% within 5-7 days using this method. Once humidity holds steady for 24 hours, remove the sponge and add your humidification device.
Shot Glass Method Takes 5-7 Days
Fill a shot glass with distilled water and place it inside the empty humidor. The water evaporates slowly and humidifies the wood over 5-7 days. The downside: if someone bumps the humidor, the water spills and can warp the wood. This method works best for small desktop humidors that will not be moved.
Wipe-Down Method Takes 2-4 Days But Has Risks
This is the fastest method. Dampen a cloth with distilled water and wipe all interior surfaces. Then place a damp sponge inside and close the lid. Many humidors reach 70% within 2-4 days. However, some manufacturers warn against this method because excess water can warp the wood or roughen finely-sanded cedar. Check your manufacturer’s instructions before you try this approach.
Electric Humidors Take 24-72 Hours
Electric humidors with built-in humidification systems season much faster because they actively pump moisture into the air. Most reach 70% within 24-72 hours. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions, as some models have specific seasoning procedures.
What Makes Seasoning Take Longer
Several factors can extend your seasoning time:
- Humidor size: Larger humidors have more wood to saturate. A cabinet humidor may need 2-3 weeks.
- Wood thickness: Thicker cedar lining absorbs more moisture and takes longer.
- Dry climate: If you live in a dry area, the wood may need extra time and moisture.
- Humidor age: A humidor that sat unused for months or years may be extremely dry and need multiple rounds of seasoning.
- Poor seal: If your humidor leaks, humidity escapes and seasoning takes longer.
How to Know When Your Humidor Is Ready
Your humidor is ready when the hygrometer reads 65-70% and holds steady for at least 24 hours. Do not rush this step. If humidity fluctuates or drops when you open the lid, the wood has not absorbed enough moisture yet. Give it more time.
Can You Speed Up the Process
Yes, but with trade-offs. The wipe-down method is fastest but carries the highest risk of wood damage. The Boveda method is slowest but safest. If you need to store cigars soon, use the sponge or shot glass method as a middle ground. Avoid any method that promises overnight seasoning—rapid moisture absorption can warp the wood and cause long-term problems.
The Bottom Line
Most humidors reach 70% humidity within 5-14 days, depending on the method you choose. Boveda packs take 14 days. Traditional sponge and shot glass methods take 5-7 days. The wipe-down method can work in 2-4 days but is risky. Electric humidors are the fastest at 24-72 hours. Once your hygrometer holds steady at 65-70% for 24 hours, your humidor is ready for cigars.
jay
Self proclaimed cigar expert. I've been smoking since 2010. I've practically lived at a cigar lounge from 10am to 10pm and trying every new cigar that came out for years.