Why Humidor Humidity Matters: Protecting Your Cigars from the Start
Keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful depends on one thing above all: proper humidor humidity. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just starting your cigar journey, learning how to maintain humidor humidity is crucial for preserving your collection and enjoying the best possible smoke. This guide covers everything you need to know—ideal humidity for cigars, humidor maintenance tips, troubleshooting, and more.
If you’re in the process of choosing a storage solution, our Cigar Humidor Buying Guide offers comprehensive advice on selecting the right humidor for your needs.
What Is the Correct Humidity for a Humidor?
The most important factor in cigar storage is relative humidity. The ideal humidity for cigars is typically between 65% and 72% relative humidity (RH), with many experts recommending the classic “70/70 rule”—70% humidity at 70°F (21°C). Maintaining this range prevents cigars from drying out or becoming too moist, both of which can ruin their flavor and structure.
What humidity should a humidor be set at?
Set your humidor at 70% RH for most cigars. Some smokers prefer a slightly lower or higher setting within the safe range, depending on personal taste and cigar type. For more on temperature’s impact, see our guide to the ideal temperature for cigar storage.
Why Humidor Humidity Matters for Cigar Storage
Proper cigar storage humidity is essential for several reasons:
- Flavor Preservation: Cigars stored at the correct humidity retain their oils, aroma, and taste.
- Longevity: The right humidity prevents cigars from drying out, cracking, or becoming brittle.
- Mold and Pest Prevention: Too much humidity can lead to mold or tobacco beetle infestations, while too little dries out cigars.
For more on avoiding common pitfalls, read about common mistakes that ruin cigars.
Essential Tools for Cigar Humidor Humidity Control
To achieve and maintain the best humidity for cigars, you’ll need the right tools:
1. Hygrometer
A hygrometer measures humidity inside your humidor. For humidor hygrometer accuracy, use a digital model, which tends to be more reliable than analog.
How to use a hygrometer in a humidor: Place it where your cigars are stored (not directly next to the humidification device) and check it regularly.
2. Humidification System
There are several humidification systems for humidors:
- Sponges or Foam Devices: Traditional, but require regular monitoring.
- Crystal Gel Beads: Release moisture slowly and are easy to recharge.
- Boveda Packs: Two-way humidity control packs that add or absorb moisture as needed.
- Electronic Humidifiers: Automatically regulate humidity but are more expensive.
If you’re interested in advanced climate-controlled options, explore our Whynter cigar humidors for effortless humidity management.
3. Distilled Water or Propylene Glycol Solution
Use only distilled water or a propylene glycol solution to refill your humidification device. Tap water can introduce minerals and impurities.
Seasoning a Humidor: The First Step in Humidor Maintenance
Before storing cigars, always season your humidor. This process saturates the cedar lining with moisture, ensuring it won’t absorb humidity from your cigars.
Step-by-step guide to seasoning a humidor:
- Wipe the interior cedar with a cloth dampened (not soaked) in distilled water.
- Place a small container of distilled water inside the empty humidor.
- Insert your humidification device (charged with distilled water or solution).
- Close the humidor and let it sit for 24–72 hours.
- Check the hygrometer. Once it reads 65–72% RH, remove the water container and add your cigars.
For a detailed walkthrough, visit our guide on how to season a humidor.
Why is this important?
Unseasoned wood will draw moisture away from your cigars, making it impossible to maintain humidor humidity.
How to Maintain Humidor Humidity Day-to-Day
Humidor maintenance tips for daily and weekly care:
- Check humidity and temperature: Use your hygrometer at least once a week.
- Refill or replace humidification devices: Add distilled water or replace Boveda packs as needed.
- Inspect cigars: Gently squeeze a cigar—if it’s too hard or too soft, humidity may be off.
- Keep your humidor half-full: This helps air circulate and humidity stabilize.
For advice on how long cigars can be stored, see how long to store cigars in a humidor. And if you’re looking to purchase a new humidor, browse our curated selection of cigar humidors.
How often to check humidity in humidor: Every 1–2 weeks is ideal, but check more frequently if you notice changes in weather or room temperature.
Troubleshooting: How to Fix Low Humidity in Humidor
If you notice the humidity dropping below 65%, act quickly to protect your cigars.
How to raise humidity in cigar humidor:
- Add distilled water or solution to your humidification device.
- Increase the number of Boveda packs or use a larger humidification device.
- Check for air leaks: Make sure the humidor seals tightly.
- Re-season the humidor if it’s been neglected or the wood feels dry.
If you’re considering a new storage solution, compare humidor cabinets vs. coolers vs. lockers to find what best suits your needs.
Rehydrating cigars: If cigars have dried out, place them in a properly humidified humidor and let them slowly reabsorb moisture over several weeks.
Troubleshooting: How to Lower Humidity in a Cigar Humidor
Humidity above 72% can lead to mold and other issues.
How to regulate humidor humidity downward:
- Remove excess humidification devices or packs.
- Air out the humidor briefly (just a few minutes).
- Store in a cooler, less humid room if possible.
- Use propylene glycol solution (it absorbs excess moisture).
For more on placement and environmental factors, see where to place a humidor.
Using Boveda Packs for Cigar Humidor Humidity Control
How to use Boveda packs in a humidor:
- Choose the correct RH level (usually 69% or 72% for cigars).
- Place the packs evenly throughout the humidor.
- Replace every 3–6 months, or when they become stiff.
Advantages: Boveda packs offer precise, hassle-free humidity control, making them one of the best humidity solutions for cigars.
If you’re interested in electronic or dual-zone humidors, see our best dual zone cigar humidors.
Best Practices for Long-Term Humidor Maintenance
- Store your humidor away from sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep it in a room with stable temperature.
- Avoid mixing flavored and non-flavored cigars (flavors can transfer). For more on this, read common mistakes that ruin cigars.
- Don’t overfill or underfill: Aim for about half-full for optimal air circulation.
- Open the humidor only when necessary to minimize humidity loss.
For those with large collections or seeking advanced climate control, explore our wine cellar cooling units, which can be adapted for cigar cabinets and lockers.
If you’re considering versatile storage, our beverage centers offer flexible options for cigars and more.
Explore More Storage Solutions and Brands
Looking for trusted brands? Discover our collections from Prestige Import Group and Humidor Supreme, or see the latest in Whynter cigar humidors for effortless electronic options.
Conclusion
Proper humidor humidity is the key to cigar enjoyment and preservation. By following these humidor maintenance tips—from seasoning and monitoring to troubleshooting and choosing the right humidification systems—you’ll ensure your cigars stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to smoke. Make humidity control a regular habit, and your humidor will reward you with perfect cigars every time.