How can I LOWER humidy in a humidor?

[dentonparrots]

My humidor is currently 72% RH and although I can lower it by placing it open in certain parts of my house I'd prefer to lower it inside the humidor when it's closed. I've taken out the moisture pad but what should I try next? Ideally I'd like it to be about 65%.

Thanks for any advice .

[rsamos]

PM shilala about his rh beads. They can draw down the humidity as well as add to it.


ETA: Everything about rh beads -> http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...ighlight=beads

[andrewsutherland2002]

Have you calibrated your hygrometer? It could be off, too.

[Rev2010]

Did you use a solution of 50% Propylene Glycol and 50% distilled water or did you use only distilled water? I originally started with just distilled water and the humidity kept fluctuating. Ever since using the Madelaine's 50/50 solution I'm now holding a steady 70% with about 8 cigars in my box. When I only have 2 cigars in there the humidity will be between 68-69%. And this is gauging with the Western Caliber III digital hydrometer which is touted for it's accuracy.

*EDIT - You know what... I'm in idiot lol. I missed reading your point about wanting 65% humidity. In that case, yeah get the beads.


Rev.

[dentonparrots]

Thanks for all of your replies so far. I'll look into the beads.
The humidor was second hand and came already at 70%. I tested the hygrometer using the salt test and it is exctly right, I also popped another that I know is accurate and that came out the same too.
It seems that the drawer that they are in in my bedroom has a higher RH than downstairs so maybe I'll just have to look at storing them down there, or failing that get the beads.

[Wombat]

I run into this all of the time in the Summer. When it get's to be 80% humidity outside the cooler, it's hard to keep 65% inside using just beads (and I have a lot!). I use a product called Damp Rid. Available in my local True Value, quite cheap and I just put a small glass of the crystals in the humi and I'm back to 65% in no time. YMMV, but it works for me.

[Rolando]

Originally Posted by dentonparrots

My humidor is currently 72% RH and although I can lower it by placing it open in certain parts of my house I'd prefer to lower it inside the humidor when it's closed. I've taken out the moisture pad but what should I try next? Ideally I'd like it to be about 65%.

Thanks for any advice .

An efficient humidor is going to take a very long time to drop the humidity if the lid is always closed even without a humidification device. You are going to need some air exchange with a lower humidity air. So if the ambient rh is lower just open it up 3-4 times a day for a few moments.

Or get the beads.

[poker]

To get the RH down where you want it, I would suggest removing the cigars into a temp storgage and dropping a bag or 2 of desiccant (moisture absorbant) into the humi for a day or so or until the humidity drops below where you want it, then introduce 65% beads until the humi is stable before re-introducing your cigars.

[n2advnture]

Originally Posted by poker

To get the RH down where you want it, I would suggest removing the cigars into a temp storgage and dropping a bag or 2 of desiccant (moisture absorbant) into the humi for a day or so or until the humidity drops below where you want it, then introduce 65% beads until the humi is stable before re-introducing your cigars.

solid advice Kelly