Humidor Maintenance and Care

The storage of cigars has now reached a new level for some and the trend can be likened to wine cellars.

There are home builders that are now incorporating, a portion of a residence, built to specifications, as a cigar humidor that can store hundreds of cigars, exacting humidification systems, reverse osmosis, special cedar walls and shelving, and sensors that will maintain the temperature and humidity levels 24 hours a day.

The “collection” of cigars the selection of a particular cigar for an occasion, morning, afternoon, and/or evening, is very similar to the desires of a specific wine for an entrée. You can liken this to a personal humidor, holding as few as 25 cigars, but it too must have your attention at least monthly.

To dispel a myth, that of a white haze which may appear on your cigars in the open box or humidor, that are out of cello. There is nothing wrong with these cigars, and a light wipe with a soft cloth will remove it. This is a natural occurrence from a naturally grown product.

By contrast, if you notice mold, bluish in color, in your humidor, then your humidity is far to high. If this occurs, it is doubtful that the cigars are smokable.

Regarding the humidor with mold: remove all cigars, then with 50% alcohol 50% water solution, wipe down the wood making the wood slightly damp, with a toothbrush clean all the corners. Then leave it open for several days.

Once you have re-prepared the interior, check the gauge(s), and then cigars can be placed inside. Although this exercise seems extreme, from room size to individual humidors, it is necessary.

By Al Remp, product specialist and trainer, Thompson Cigar.


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