1) I have a small spray bottle I use to recharge my beads. Just spray the beads and wipe off the outside before you put it back in your humidor.

2) Like others have posted....when you see the RH drop recharge your beads or when you see the beads turn white you know it's time to recharge. Heartfelt recommends having 60% of the beads clear. You want some white so they can absorb any extra humidity. Colorado is pretty dry so I tend to keep about 75% clear.