When to start from scratch?

[Bkcloud114]

The best thing you could do is to smash the hell out of that humidor with a sledge hammer. Stay away from cigars!!! They soon consume every thought in your head. They also suck your wallet dry. If you are not excessive-compulsive now, you soon will be. Be afraid...Very afraid.

Damn..... wish you would have given me that advice 9 months ago.......

[MMAB]

I've seen many inexpensive humidors using laminates (glossy wood finish) on the interior of the humidor in certain areas such as the holder or surround of the puck and hygro. This can be bad news. Let me explain.

ONE of the reasons that cedar is a preferred liner for a humidor is because it is naturally mold repellent to a degree.

Many inexpensive humidor manufacturers use laminates, particle board, composites etc. to cut corners on costs. These materials can be very susceptible to mold growth if used on the interior of the humidor.

In my green years I had an economy humidor grow mold on the glossy surface where the lid met the lower portion. The edge had been finished with a laminate when it should not have been so it grew mold at higher rh's.

Take a look at the area that the mold started on behind the puck. Is it unfinished cedar or glossy laminate or something else?

Using a humidifier solution of 50/50 distilled water and propylene glycol will also prevent mold in the puck. You can buy the solution premade at most cigar shops or blend your own. Any decent drug store will sell you "pg". They will most likely have to order it for you. It's fairly inexpensive. The "pg" will also help stabilize your humidor's rh. It may be easier for you to buy the premixed solution at a cigar shop though.

If you shop for another humidor, make sure any enclosed surface is natural, unfinished spanish cedar or mahogany. It doesn't mean you have to spend alot of money to get one like that. Just smart, observant shopping.

Another reason could be that the material in the puck is not suitable for humidor use. It should be Oasis or "florist foam". It's that funky green stuff. Like a dense, fine textured styro-foamy material that gives way very easily with finger pressure. Be sure that you use the "wet type" as there is a "dry type" that is for artificial flowers. The dry type will not retain water.

If you want to try to reuse your puck and you can REMOVE THE MATERIAL INSIDE AND REPLACE IT WITH NEW FOAM and the puck is made of plastic, you can clean it with rubbing alcohol. It will kill any mold spores for sure. BE SURE TO LET IT AIR OUT COMPLETELY BEFORE REUSING AND DON'T LET THE NEW FOAM CONTACT ANY ALCOHOL!!!! DO NOT USE ALCOHOL ON YOUR HUMIDOR!!!!

Good luck and good smokes!