How To Series: Cigar Humidors

We get asked ALL THE TIME about humidors. So we figured we would create something to share with everyone and hopefully answer all of your questions and help you master proper cigar care.

Maintaining your cigar humidor is essential to preserving your cigars’ flavor, aroma, and burn quality. A well-cared-for humidor ensures your cigars stay in their ideal environment: around 70% relative humidity and 68–72°F (20–22°C). Below is a complete, detailed guide on how to set up, season, and maintain a humidor, plus the different types and sizes you can choose from.

What a Humidor Does

A humidor is a sealed container designed to maintain stable humidity and temperature, replicating the tropical climate where premium cigars are made. Your primary goal is to keep cigars fresh, aromatic, and burn-ready. Things you want to avoid are too much dryness (cracking cigars) or too much moisture (mold and swelling).

Ideal Conditions:

• Humidity: 65–72%
• Temperature: 68–72°F (20–22°C)

Main Components of a Humidor

1. Cedar Lining:
   Usually Spanish cedar, which:
   
   • Helps regulate humidity
   • Repels tobacco beetles
   • Enhances cigar aroma
2. Humidification Device: Keeps the interior at the right moisture level (sponges, crystals, Boveda packs, etc.)
3. Hygrometer: Measures relative humidity (analog or digital).
4. Thermometer (optional): Monitors internal temperature.
5. Seal: A tight lid ensures the humidor retains moisture and maintains stable conditions.

Types and Sizes of Humidors

A. Desktop Humidor

• Capacity: 20–150 cigars
• Best for: Home or office use
• Style: Wood box with Spanish cedar interior
• Pros: Elegant, great humidity retention
• Cons: Limited capacity

B. Travel Humidor

• Capacity: 2–15 cigars
• Material: Hard plastic, foam-lined, airtight
• Best for: Short trips or portable use
• Pros: Durable, compact, portable
• Cons: Short-term humidity control only

C. Cabinet Humidor (Tower)

• Capacity: 500–5000 cigars
• Best for: Aficionados or lounge owners
• Features: Drawers, shelves, locks, built-in humidification
• Pros: Long-term storage, excellent for aging
• Cons: Expensive, requires maintenance

D. Cigar Cooler (Humidor Cabinet with Cooling)

• Capacity: 100–300 cigars
• Best for: Hot climates or temperature-sensitive environments
• Features: Built-in cooling system and humidity control
• Pros: Stable environment year-round
• Cons: Requires power, higher cost

E. Humidor Jar or Tube

• Capacity: 5–20 cigars
• Material: Glass or acrylic
• Best for: Small collections or short-term storage
• Pros: Affordable and compact
• Cons: Inconsistent humidity

Seasoning (Preparing) Your Humidor

Before storing cigars, you must “season” your humidor to allow the cedar wood to absorb moisture evenly. This really helps jumpstart toe ecosystem inside the humidor.

Step-by-Step: How to Season a Humidor

1. Wipe the Interior:
   
   • Use a clean sponge or cloth dampened (not soaked) with distilled water.
   • Lightly wipe down all cedar surfaces.
   • Never use tap water — it contains minerals and chlorine that can damage wood.
2. Add Humidification Device:
   
   • Activate it using distilled water or propylene glycol solution.
   • Place it inside (don’t touch the wood directly).
3. Insert a Small Dish of Distilled Water:
   
   • Place it inside the humidor for 24–48 hours to help saturate the air.
4. Close the Lid and Wait:
   
   • Keep the humidor closed for at least 48 to 72 hours.
   • Aim for a humidity level of 68–72% before adding cigars.
5. Calibrate the Hygrometer:
   
   • If analog, use the salt test:
     
     • Place it in a sealed bag with a cup of salt and damp paper towel.
     • After 6–8 hours, it should read 75%. Adjust if needed.

5. Maintaining Your Humidor

A. Refill Humidifiers Regularly

• Use distilled water or 50/50 propylene glycol solution.
• Refill every 2–4 weeks, depending on climate and seal quality.

B. Check Hygrometer Weekly

• Humidity should stay 65–72%.
• If it dips below 65%, refill the humidifier or add extra humidity packs.

C. Rotate Cigars Monthly

• Move cigars from top to bottom and front to back.
• Ensures even humidity distribution.

D. Avoid Overcrowding

• Allow air to circulate — cigars need space to “breathe.”

E. Store in a Stable Environment

• Avoid placing your humidor near sunlight, heaters, or air conditioners.
• Temperature fluctuations affect humidity balance.

Modern Humidification Options

Type	Description	Maintenance	Notes
Sponge (traditional)	Basic foam soaked in distilled water	Frequent refilling	Inexpensive but inconsistent
Crystal gel	Polymer beads that expand with water	Refill monthly	Good balance of ease and control
Boveda packs	Two-way humidity control packs	Replace every 2 – 3 months	Low-maintenance and accurate
Electronic humidifier	Automated control system	Plug-in, refills occasionally	Ideal for large humidors

Preventing Problems

A. Mold

• Cause: Over 75% humidity or poor airflow.
• Fix: Wipe gently with distilled water and a soft cloth, then lower humidity.

B. Tobacco Beetles

• Cause: Temperature above 75°F.
• Fix: Freeze cigars for 72 hours in a sealed bag, then thaw slowly.

C. Dry Cigars

• Cause: Low humidity.
• Fix: Gradually rehydrate using Boveda 69% packs (avoid rapid humidity increases).

Cleaning and Long-Term Care

• Every 6–12 months, remove all cigars and clean gently with a dry cloth.
• Re-season if humidity becomes unstable.
• Avoid harsh cleaners — only distilled water on cedar.
• Keep an eye on the seal — use the “sound test” (a soft whoosh when closing).

Choosing the Right Humidor Size

Cigar Collection	Humidor Size	Example
5 – 10 cigars	Small travel humidor	Travel case
25 – 50 cigars	Compact desktop	Beginner’s home humidor
75 – 150 cigars	Medium desktop	Intermediate collection
300 – 1000 cigars	Cabinet / cooler	Serious collectors
1000+ cigars	Tower / walk-in	Lounge or retail setup

Rule of thumb:

Always buy a humidor that’s 25–50% larger than your current collection — cigars expand slightly and need airflow.

Quick Maintenance Checklist

Task	Frequency	Notes
Check humidity	Weekly	Keep between 65 – 72%
Refill humidifier	Monthly	Use distilled water
Rotate cigars	Monthly	Promotes even moisture
Clean and re-season	Every 12 months	Wipe cedar interior
Replace Boveda packs	Every 2 – 3 months	Easy maintenance option

Cigars can get expensive and are an investment for some who have large collections and/or engage in extended aging. Keeping your humidor in ideal and pristine conditions is essential to having the best smoking expeircne with your cigars and to keep your cigars fresh and in the best conditions possible. You can easily be out some serious money when a humidor falls from grace.