Humidifier help

[jonswords]

I'm a big cigar fans but have always bought ones in tubes. I have decided to branch out and try some different types (inc those without tubes). As such i bought a basic humidifier to keep them in tip top smoking order. But im confused!

The humidifier i've got is a tallish jar with a sealed top. It got a circular piece of wood and a sponge inside a plastic thing (with a grate ono the front). From reading some of the posts on here i take it you wet the sponge - but how much? what with? how often should i replenish it?

All advice is greatfully received.

[wrath186]

I would reccomend using only distilled water. You can purchase that almost anywhere. I would also suggest you purchase a hygrometer. Many of the digital ones can be had for under 30 dollars. Wet the sponge and wait for the humidity to rise in your humidor between 65 and 70%. Once that level has been acheived consistantly place your cigars in the humidor. Open at least once a week to check the humidity level. When you notice it dropping below 65% remoisten the sponge. Only moisten it. It isn't necessary to completely saturate it.

Hope this helps.

[jonswords]

do i put it on the top or bottom of the jar?

[SFG75]

do i put it on the top or bottom of the jar?

Doesn't matter really. Wrath186 is dead on about using good water. Tap water will have you run the risk of having your stogies take on some odor problems. If you don't want to use filtered water, you can always buy solution from just about any online cigar retailer. I have a sponge system as well for my humidor. I soak it about ten seconds and that works well for me. I definitely woudln't soak the sponge too much longer. Of the entire thing, I just soak about half of it.

[MMAB]

sounds like you have a "Cigar Jar".

A great, low cost storage container for cigars.

SFG mentioned using a "solution" in the humidifier puck. If you go to most any good cigar shop and ask for humidifier solution or a "PG" solution that would probably be the best, most cost effective route to go.

You will soak the puck's sponge or foam in this solution. Make sure that you LIGHTLY shake out any excess water from the puck as you don' want it dripping onto your cigars. Don't shake the hell out of it. Just lightly.

The PG solution will maintain a 70% relative humidity in the jar all on it's own. All you'll need to do is add a little DISTILLED water to the puck's sponge most likely on a weekly basis. You'll only use the PG solution to recharge the puck a few times a year. You can buy distilled water at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Usually about a buck or so a gallon.

You could go out and buy a digital hygrometer, and that would tell you what the relative humidity is inside the jar. BUT....it is a Cigar Jar and the whole idea of the Cigar Jar is to be economical.

Good luck and have fun! (you've got the bug!)