Airing a humidor
A closed humidor keeps its humidity, but also the air inside it. Renewing that air from time to time is part of its care; the exact rhythm varies from one maker to another.
Why renew the air
Cigars keep living in the humidor: over time, the trapped air takes on odours, including the ammonia they release. For Maison LAC, circulating and regularly renewing the air keeps the humidor healthy and preserves the aromas.
How often
Opinions differ. Maison LAC recommends regular airing, adapted to each humidor, with no fixed schedule. Another maker advises opening and closing the humidor at least once a week. The climate of the room and the humidification system may justify adjusting.
Airing without humidity shocks
Each opening lets in room air, often drier or warmer than the air in the humidor. Keep openings brief, avoid airing near a radiator or in full sun, and check the hygrometer once the humidor is closed again: it should return to range within a few hours.
Humidity: Maison LAC recommends 68 to 72% for its humidors. Other makers and specialists give slightly different values; stability matters more than the number on the dial.
Manual or assisted airing
Manual airing means remembering to do it regularly. Some systems take over part of the air renewal. On humidors fitted with the HYGROSAN® system, the air is circulated and regularly renewed to keep the humidor healthy, and a UV-C lamp helps fight fungal growth.
Read next: humidor maintenance · humidor humidity.