How to Use a Travel Humidor

You can take your favorite cigars along in a humidor when you travel. A humidor is a cigar storage container that protects your cigars from damage, while keeping them moist. A cigar can dry out in one to two weeks. When they dry out cigars can unravel and develop a harsh, bitter taste. Conversely, if a cigar is placed in an overly humid environment, it may begin to mold. A humidor is typically equipped with a humidifier component, and possibly a hygrometer and a thermometer to measure the humidity and temperature.

Instructions

1

Remove the lid of the humidifier component, located inside the humidor. Remove the sponge, and rinse it with distilled water. Allow the sponge to air dry.

2

Soak the humidifier sponge in a 50 percent propylene glycol and 50 percent distilled water solution. Return the sponge to the humidifier and close the lid. Make sure the sponge does not drip solution into the humidor.

3

Check the humidor's hygrometer for proper calibration, if one is included in your humidor. To do this, place the hygrometer and a small amount of slightly moistened table salt in a plastic sandwich bag. Without opening the bag, check the hygrometer's reading after 6 to 8 hours. The hygrometer should read 75 percent humidity. Adjust the hygrometer's needle or digital readout to 75 percent, while it is still in the bag. The hygrometer should be properly calibrated. Place the hygrometer inside your humidor.

4

Check the humidor's thermometer against a known working thermometer for proper calibration, if one was included.

5

Adjust the amount of humidifier solution until the humidor has an inside humidity between 68 and 74 percent. If the humidity falls below 65 percent, add distilled water to the humidifier.

6

Store the humidor in a cool, dry place. Do not allow the humidor's temperature to rise above 73 degrees. Once the humidor's environment has stabilized, place your cigars inside of it. Check the humidor for acceptable humidity levels every two weeks. Add distilled water to the humidifier once a month.