Keeping the correct humidity level

To maintain the correct humidity level in your humidor, you will have to charge the humidifier!

In order to do this, remove the humidifier from the humidor and dampen in a 50/50 solution of distilled water and propylene glycol (PG), usually referred to as activator solution. You are only aiming to dampen the humidifier, not to soak it, a few squirts of activator solution is sufficient to keep it charged for a few months. Repeat this whenever your cigars begin to become dry, or whenever your hygrometer reads lower than is preferred.

PG is hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture from the environment, similar to salt in humid weather. Distilled water will evaporate until the ambient humidity comes close to 70%. At which point the PG will not allow any more moisture in the air. The reverse will also occur, if there is too much moisture in the air, the PG solution will absorb the excess, bringing the hunidity down to 70%.

Use distilled water, as tap water contains minerals, which will stop your humidifier from working. Th ph levels in tap water can also interfere with the PG and cause variations in the humidity level.

Another word of caution!
Open your humidor as little as possible, in order to keep the humidity constant. If you like to hover over your prized collection, consider a glass top humidor, so you don't need to keep lifting the lid.

• About once a month rotate your cigars around and permit some air circulation.
• Clean the exterior of your humidor with a clean, dry cloth as polishes can affect the wood and alter the flavour of your cigars.


Good maintenance practices should keep your precious cigars in excellent smoking order for many years to come.