The Right Way to Charge a Cigar Humidifier

Not all humidification is created equal, friends. There are dozens of options to consider when it comes to humidifying your cigars today. Crystals, beads, Boveda, and the traditional humidification device with green floral foam on the inside are common methods to consider. They all work great as long as you replenish your humidity at regular intervals.

Here, we’re reviewing how to charge your humidification unit. The method may vary slightly depending on what kind of humidification system you’re using. We’ll walk you through a few simple steps.

Check Your Hygrometer for a Humidity Reading

Knowing when to replenish your humidification unit is essential. It all depends on your humidity level. Ideal conditions for storing your cigars are 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% RH (relative humidity). Make sure your hygrometer has been calibrated and that it delivers an accurate reading. When your humidity dips down to 64% or lower, it’s time to recharge your humidification unit.

Use Distilled Water or Propylene Glycol Solution

Do NOT use tap water in your humidor. Tap water contains microscopic bacteria which can lead to mold and ruin your cigars and your humidor. Get a gallon of distilled water from the grocery store, or use propylene glycol solution (also called 50/50 solution). Propylene glycol offers added protection against unwanted bacteria. It’s also recommended if you’re prepping your humidor for the first time.

Fill Your Humidification Unit

To charge your humidification unit, fill the unit by pouring distilled water into the vents over the sink. Or if you’re using propylene glycol, squirt the solution directly into the vents. You can also fill a dish with cold distilled water and submerge the entire unit in the water until it is saturated.

NOTE: If you are using a humidification unit that relies on beads, you don’t have to use propylene glycol solution. Humidity beads naturally fight off bacteria, so plain distilled water is sufficient.

Whether you pour water into the humidification unit or submerge it, make sure the water is dispersed equally inside the unit. Rotate the humidification unit as the sponge on the inside soaks up the water or solution.

Drain Excess Water or Solution After the Unit is Filled

After the humidification unit is saturated, set it on a clean towel and let it drain for several minutes. Dab the excess water from the vents as it is discharges. You don’t want to place the unit back into your humidor until the excess water drains, or it will leak a puddle of water directly onto your cigars.

When the humidification unit is finished draining, return it to your humidor. Remember to rotate your cigars every week or two. You don’t want the same cigars always buffered up against your source of humidity. 

Humidity Pouches

Humidity pouches like those made by Boveda feature a two-way, self-regulating humidification technology. The membrane Boveda packs are made from dispels humidity at a predetermined level for a period of weeks or months. When the humidity is depleted, the packs firm up and become stiff. Simply discard exhausted humidity pouches and replace them with new ones.