Trouble with RH%...

Here's the sequence of events -

Bought 100 count humidor after outgrowing my 50 count, wiped out interior with dry rag, put a small container with warm distilled water inside humidor for one week to allow for absorption into wood, put big rectangular humidifier inside filled with distilled water, filled humidor half full of cigars, after one day the humidity read 75%, so I removed the humidifier 1.5 weeks ago and the humidity has fluctuated btw 65-70% since then. It's fluctuating between 6-7% everyday.

I'm trying to figure out why the humidity isn't dropping with no water inside. I know the weather can affect it, but with my old 50 count there was an obivious correlation btw the RH level and how long ago I refilled the humidifier. It seems to have a good seal. I'll probably try recalibrating my hygrometer, but I don't think that's the issue. It has a tray and about 55 cigars currently inside. Do I need more cigars?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Artyman1200

Here's the sequence of events -

Bought 100 count humidor after outgrowing my 50 count, wiped out interior with dry rag, put a small container with warm distilled water inside humidor for one week to allow for absorption into wood, put big rectangular humidifier inside filled with distilled water, filled humidor half full of cigars, after one day the humidity read 75%, so I removed the humidifier 1.5 weeks ago and the humidity has fluctuated btw 65-70% since then. It's fluctuating between 6-7% everyday.

I'm trying to figure out why the humidity isn't dropping with no water inside. I know the weather can affect it, but with my old 50 count there was an obivious correlation btw the RH level and how long ago I refilled the humidifier. It seems to have a good seal. I'll probably try recalibrating my hygrometer, but I don't think that's the issue. It has a tray and about 55 cigars currently inside. Do I need more cigars?

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I just did 2 of these and this is how I seasoned mine (the "Old World" 100 count and the "Cu-Avana Intenso" 100 count).

I wiped the inside with a dry rag, and them wiped the inside with a rag moistened with 50/50 solution cut with distilled water (8 ounces of 50/50 cut with 4 ounces of distilled water). Once the insides were moist enough to darken the wood without any excess fluid, I "sealed" the humidor by moistening the wood where the lid closes. 4 hours later I repeated the process, and again after another 4 hours (3 times total).

Then I took 4 of the Boveda 84% seasoning packs and dropped them in, two on top and two on bottom. In the morning I repeated the 4 hour wipe down another 3 times. Leaving the Boveda packs in, I added my humidification device (Humi-Care HX10 crystal gel) after adding the cut down solution. My humidors haven't fallen below 72% and haven't gone above 75%. I do have two smaller humidors for my cigars that I get via the internet; one is set at 55% RH to bring the cigars slowly up to a somewhat normal level, and then another set for 80% RH. I transfer them from the 55% to my regular humidor after a 3 week resting period, and then from the regular humidor to the 80% for another 2 weeks. This is to make sure the cigar gets as much moisture as possible without exploding, and helps keep the regular humidor at a more constant level.

I have mine running a bit more RH than normal because I'm in Iraq and it's generally about 10% RH on a good day here but I haven't had any issues with my sticks being too wet/dry.

I must be doing something right since the gentleman that runs our weekly herf has even asked what I'm doing to make my cigars better than his, and he's running a Cigar Oasis in his coolidor.



Kris

It might just take a little longer to stabilize.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MarineOne

Then I took 4 of the Boveda 84% seasoning packs and dropped them in, two on top and two on bottom. In the morning I repeated the 4 hour wipe down another 3 times. Leaving the Boveda packs in, I added my humidification device (Humi-Care HX10 crystal gel) after adding the cut down solution. My humidors haven't fallen below 72% and haven't gone above 75%. I do have two smaller humidors for my cigars that I get via the internet; one is set at 55% RH to bring the cigars slowly up to a somewhat normal level, and then another set for 80% RH. I transfer them from the 55% to my regular humidor after a 3 week resting period, and then from the regular humidor to the 80% for another 2 weeks. This is to make sure the cigar gets as much moisture as possible without exploding, and helps keep the regular humidor at a more constant level.

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Wow! They trained you right in the military! That's some devotion.

"This is my humidor. There are many like it but this one is mine. My humidor is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my humidor is useless. Without my humidor I am useless!"

LMAO !!!!

Man that's funny, I need to use that for my sig.



Kris

If it's a larger humidor and you don't have many cigars in it you might see those fluctuations. It should be at least 1/2 - 2/3 full (great excuse to go buy some more.)