Humidor maintenance
A well-seasoned humidor asks for little: a few regular gestures are enough. Frequencies vary with the humidification system, the climate of the room and how you use it; no rule applies to every humidor.
A simple routine
- Open the humidor and look at the hygrometer.
- Refill the humidifier when needed.
- Renew the air (airing a humidor).
- Check the hygrometer from time to time.
Open and check
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. Use each opening to read the hygrometer.
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.
Refilling the humidifier
The interval depends on the system and the climate. With the TL10®, allow about four weeks between refills, more often if the room is dry or the humidor is opened often. Use demineralised, unscented water and the liquid intended for your system.
Checking the hygrometer
A hygrometer can drift over time. Check it with one of the two methods described in seasoning a new humidor.
When to replace the humidifier
After several years, a humidifier that struggles to hold the target humidity should be replaced.
Mistakes to avoid
- Wetting the wood directly: never do it, according to Maison LAC.
- Placing the humidor near a heat source or in direct light.
- Storing flavoured cigars with natural ones.
Read next: humidor humidity · airing a humidor.