I need Help!

[AustinC9]

Hello everyone, I'm new around here although I've been lurking around as a guest for awhile now. I figured that it was about time I joined especially since I really need some help and advice. Here's my situtation...

I have an deceant humidor that I got from my father and I've been using a "Ice crystal gel humidfier" along with a nice digital hygrometer. So, the issue is that my humidification device has mold growing on and in the crystals. I'm kind of in panic mode because I'm not sure if my cigars are in danger. (no mold on the sticks yet) I've only used distilled water and my humidor has been stabe around 65-68 degrees and 65%RH. What should I do? Can I try putting a Proplene Glycol solution in the crystal gel humidifier because I heard its suppose to be a mold inhibitor? Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[Buddha024]

Now I've never tried this, but I think you should run some hot distilled water on the puck to try to get the mold off. Then soak it real good with the PG solution. I think you will have to ditch the crystals. Then when you're done, go and order some Heartfelt Beads. They don't grow mold, and they also absorb water out of the air in case the RH goes up. After you've done all of that, go to the New Puffer's Forum and introduce yourself. I hope this helps.

Welcome!!

[Buddha024]

I now see that half of my reply doesn't make sense, since you did not say you have a puck humidifier. I have no idea how ot get mold out of the gel. You might need to run out to your local B&M and get a water pillow or something while you wait for your beads to come in.

[VoteKinky06]

I would ditch the gel, as it is relatively cheap to replace, versus the cost of trying to salvage it and potentially having to replace the gel AND your cigars once you realize this attempt was unsuccessful. The beads are a great alternative, and easy to maintain to boot. If you don't have access to the beads or they simply aren't in the budget right now shoot me a pm, as I have some extra heartfelts I can send you. Happy smoking and enjoy the forum, I think you'll like it here

[Dgar]

I wouldnt try to save to save the humidifier if it has mold, my suggestion would be to order some humidification beads, you can contact Heartfelt. or PM shelia here, for beads.

You can use a makeshift humidifier until you get your beads, green florist foam with a little water, or a moist paper towel in a sandwich baggie left open, or if its just a couple days I imagine your cigars will be fine with no humidification...

Whatever you decide, I would toss the moldy humidifier...

[AustinC9]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I am going to order a half-pound of beads. It seems that everyone loves them and they work great. Why can't they grow mold like my crystals did? Are the chemically different?

[DBCcigar]

Originally Posted by AustinC9

Hello everyone, I'm new around here although I've been lurking around as a guest for awhile now. I figured that it was about time I joined especially since I really need some help and advice. Here's my situtation...

I have an deceant humidor that I got from my father and I've been using a "Ice crystal gel humidfier" along with a nice digital hygrometer. So, the issue is that my humidification device has mold growing on and in the crystals. I'm kind of in panic mode because I'm not sure if my cigars are in danger. (no mold on the sticks yet) I've only used distilled water and my humidor has been stabe around 65-68 degrees and 65%RH. What should I do? Can I try putting a Proplene Glycol solution in the crystal gel humidifier because I heard its suppose to be a mold inhibitor? Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Can I try putting a Proplene Glycol solution in the crystal gel humidifier because I heard its suppose to be a mold inhibitor?

Yes. But the gel should already have proplene glycol in it.... I've never heard of mold growing in the gel!

[AustinC9]

Originally Posted by DBCcigar

Can I try putting a Proplene Glycol solution in the crystal gel humidifier because I heard its suppose to be a mold inhibitor?

Yes. But the gel should already have proplene glycol in it.... I've never heard of mold growing in the gel!

Thats what I thought. I couldn't believe it was actually mole until i really inspected it. Just grey fuzzy patches that are growing on the gel exposed to the air. Weird huh?

[fiddlegrin]

Originally Posted by VoteKinky06

If you don't have access to the beads or they simply aren't in the budget right now shoot me a pm, as I have some extra heartfelts I can send you.

What a GUY! That is so cool of you! BUMP!

[AustinC9]

Originally Posted by VoteKinky06

I would ditch the gel, as it is relatively cheap to replace, versus the cost of trying to salvage it and potentially having to replace the gel AND your cigars once you realize this attempt was unsuccessful. The beads are a great alternative, and easy to maintain to boot. If you don't have access to the beads or they simply aren't in the budget right now shoot me a pm, as I have some extra heartfelts I can send you. Happy smoking and enjoy the forum, I think you'll like it here

Yea, I really apprecate the offer, but since my collection is growing rapidly I know that I'm going to need a large supply. Thanks!

[Buddha024]

You shouldn't have to wait too long if you order from Dave at Heartfelt. He's very fast in getting things out. Also, if you have some PG solution, you can probably get away with just putting some in a shot glass inside the humi until the beads come in. Instead of just buying something temporary. Good luck.

[docruger]

Originally Posted by AustinC9

Thats what I thought. I couldn't believe it was actually mole until i really inspected it. Just grey fuzzy patches that are growing on the gel exposed to the air. Weird huh?

sounds like to me, that it got in to some tap water some how.