What Are the Dangers of Excess Moisture in a Humidor?

smoking a cigar by jay | Posted on February 1st, 2023

Do you enjoy collecting cigars? Are you a cigar aficionado looking for ways to keep your humidor in top shape?

If so, then this blog post is for you!


Three Large Cigars close-up sitting on cherry wood humidor. One Torpedo shape and two Parejo (normal) shape cigars. Image shot with Canon 5D Mark2, 100 ISO, EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens, studio strobes.

This blog will discuss the dangers of excess moisture in a humidor. A humidor is a special container designed to store cigars at a precisely controlled humidity level. Knowing how to maintain the humidity of your humidor properly is essential for keeping your cigars fresh and safe from mold and other hazards.

This article will examine what excess moisture is, what causes it, and the dangers associated with it. We will also discuss how to wipe out your humidor correctly and the effects of too much or too little moisture.

Finally, we will look at maintaining the humidity in your humidor, the role of temperature in cigar storage, condensation, and its effects on humidity levels.

What Is Excess Moisture?

Excess moisture, also known as high humidity, is defined as having a relative humidity above 70-72 percent. This can be caused by storing cigars in an environment with too much moisture, such as a humidor that hasn’t been properly maintained.

What Causes Excess Moisture?

Excess moisture in a humidor can be caused by the humidification system not being used properly or by the humidifier leaking water into the box. Additionally, if the relative humidity levels in the humidor are higher than 70-72 percent for an extended period, this can also lead to excess moisture.

The effects of this can be damaging to the cigars, as they swell and become almost impossible to draw smoke through. To avoid this, it is important to maintain and monitor the proper humidity levels in your humidor with a hygrometer. Regular wiping down of your humidor can also help reduce moisture levels and prevent damage to your cigars.

Dangers of Excess Moisture

Excess moisture in a humidor can be very dangerous for cigars. Too much humidity can cause the cigars to become damp, resulting in uneven combustion and potential mold growth. It can also lead to an uncomfortable smoking experience, with excess smoke and other issues. It is important to monitor the humidity levels in your humidor and take steps to prevent excess moisture from building up.

How to Wipe Your Humidor Out

To prevent this from happening, it is important to wipe out the humidor with a damp cloth regularly. This will help remove any excess moisture and keep the humidity levels of your humidor in check. Start by wiping down every interior surface with a damp cloth, including all corners and crevices.

Use an isopropyl alcohol solution to moisten the cloth, if needed. Then, fill a container halfway with distilled water and place it inside the humidor. Close the lid and leave it alone for a day before removing and draining any excess water.

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Finally, lightly sand the interior surfaces with 120 or 150-grit sandpaper and vacuum out the dust. These steps will help keep your humidor in top condition and ensure your cigars remain fresh for as long as possible.

The Effects of Too Much or Too Little Moisture

Having too much or too little moisture in your humidor can negatively affect your cigars. Too much moisture will cause the cigars to swell and become hard to smoke, while too little moisture will dry out the trichomes, giving the cigar an unpleasant taste.

Furthermore, having too little or too much humidity can increase the risk of contamination by mold or mildew. To maintain the proper humidity levels, it is important to use a solution initially and periodically throughout the year.

Additionally, you should keep an eye on the temperature, which can also influence humidity levels. Monitoring your humidor environment is essential to ensure that your cigars stay in optimal condition.

Maintaining the Proper Humidity in Your Humidor

Maintaining the humidity in your humidor is essential for keeping your cigars in top condition. Too much or too little moisture can ruin your cigars, so it’s important to get the balance right. To keep the humidity at an ideal level, purchase a special humidor with an integrated humidifier.

This will help you regulate the moisture levels and create an environment perfect for storing your cigars. It’s also important to monitor the humidity levels regularly, as changes in temperature and other factors can affect them. These steps will ensure that your cigars stay in optimal condition and give you a great smoking experience every time.

The Role of Temperature in Cigar Storage

The role of temperature in cigar storage is important in maintaining the right humidity level. The 70/70 rule is a widely accepted guideline that suggests keeping relative humidity and temperature at around 70% and 21°C, respectively. This ensures that the cigar can absorb the right amount of moisture.

It is important to avoid exposing the humidor to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or near an air conditioner or radiator, as this can indirectly impact humidity. If the combustion temperature of one’s cigar is too high, the smoke can become hot and acrid against the smoker’s throat. To protect one’s cigars and maintain quality, it is essential to keep an eye on temperature and humidity levels to achieve optimal results.

Condensation and Its Effects on Humidity Levels

Condensation results from moisture in the air coming into contact with surfaces that are colder than the air. This is especially true in humidors, where high humidity levels can cause condensation on the lid and walls.

It’s important to remember that condensation can increase the humidity levels inside your humidor, resulting in cigars that are too moist, leading to unpleasant flavors and unsatisfying smoking experiences.

To avoid this, it’s essential to keep an eye on your humidor’s humidity levels and wipe away any condensation that forms. Additionally, it’s best to keep the temperature inside your humidor as consistent as possible; sudden temperature changes can create condensation, so try to avoid this whenever possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the dangers of excess moisture in a humidor are quite serious and can harm the quality and taste of your cigars. To prevent worsening, keeping the humidity level in your humidor between 70-72 percent is important to avoid mold growth and other problems.

Additionally, it is important to regularly wipe down your humidor and check for condensation that could affect the humidity levels. Finally, always monitor your humidor’s temperature, as this can also affect the humidity levels and overall cigar quality. Following these simple steps will ensure that your cigars remain in perfect condition for years to come.

smoking a cigar

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.

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