A humidor is the best way to store cigars as it can save your sticks from drying out and losing their flavor. But just having a humidor is not enough; instead, how to make the best use of your humidor is the point. When you notice that your cigars are dry or too moist, you may have some problems with the way you're using your humidor.

Here are the most common problems encountered when storing cigars in a humidor and suggestions on how to fix them.

Cigars become wet?

Cause 1: Cigars are being stored too close to the humidifier, especially when a tray is being used.

Solution: Increase the distance between the cigars and the humidifier. In small humidors, insert a layer of veneer (e.g. a divider) between the cigars and the humidifier.

Cause 2: The evaporation surface of the humidifier is over the size of the humidor that can bear.

Solution: For the humidifier, cover a section of the evaporation surface with sticky tape or choose a smaller humidifier. For the humidity packet, choose adequate humidity (69% or 72% is the best) and size based on the size of the humidor and the number of cigars you store.

Cigars become dry?

Cause 1: The evaporation surface of the humidifier is too small relative to the size of the humidor.

Solution: Choose a larger humidifier or humidity packet of higher RH, or even install an active regulated humidifying system with air flow function.

Cause 2: The wood in a new humidor is still dry and is taking moisture out of the air.

Solution: Re-season the humidor. Wipe the humidor lining with a damp cloth with distilled water every 2 to 3 hours to re-humidify the wood.

Humidity drops after placing new cigars in the new-seasoned humidor?

Causes: When you place dry cigars in the humidor, they will immediately detracting from that humidity simply because they are dry and they are soaking up moisture. This will cause a humidity drop in any humidor.

Solution: (1) Once you have placed the cigars in the humidor and the humidity drops, wait a few days. Then, recharge your humidor. You should notice that the humidity drop does not continue. (2) In case the climate in the humidor is not stable at all, try re-seasoning the humidor. 

Musty odors in the humidor?

Causes: The humidity levels have been too high.

Solution: Let the humidor open to make the excess moisture escape. Choose an adequate-sized humidifier to lower the humidity level.

Mold in the humidor?

Causes 1: Excessive humidity levels in the humidor over an extended period.

Cause 2: Leakage of water from the humidifier on the wood.

Solution: Wipe the humidor out with a damp cloth, sand down with 120 grit sandpaper and remove all dust. Dry the humidor with a hairdryer (min. 50°C).

If the mold appears to have affected the cigars, remove any moldy cigars.

Hygrometer reads 99% or the reading is inconsistent?

Causes 1: The poor contact of the battery.

Solution: Remove the original battery and place it back to the battery compartment to see if it works.

Causes 2: The hygrometer runs out of battery.

Solution: Replace a new button battery to see if the problem solved. If not, contact us for further help.

The gold frame of the hygrometer falls off?

Cause: The adhensive (tape) does not stick.

Solution: Clean the surface, and use super glue and such to re-stick the frame back to the place.