New Humidor Question

[dillon157]

Hello,

I have a pretty simple question. I just purchased a new humidor which came with a jar of Cigars International Crystal Humidification. Should I season my humidor by simply placing this open jar inside for a week or should I season it separately (with a shot glass of distilled water or something) and then introduce the prepared beads when the humidity is right?

Also, can I use these crystals as beads and simply put them in the humidor's stock humidifier in place of the sponge?

Thanks guys.

[Twill413]

I have seasoned both my humidors by charging the stock humidifier, and placing a warm shotglass of distilled in there til the humidity held up at
69-70. Sticks go in, life is good. Then I got beads, and life got easier. I would say if you want to retrofit the stock humidifier, that those crystals would not be a good idea since they wear out in roughly a year. Heartfelt beads last indefinitely, so if you wanna retrofit, use them.

[dillon157]

Ok, I'll definitely buy some beads from Hearfelt then. In the mean time, would using those crystals to season the humidor be alright or should I just forget about them all together and get some distilled water in there?

[Demented]

Originally Posted by dillon157

Should I season my humidor by simply placing this open jar inside for a week...

There are a number of ways you can go about this. Whats work best for me and requires the least amount of time...

Take a new sponge, that does not have any type of soap in it, soak this in distilled water then wipe down the inside of the humidor. Every inside surface, bottom, top, sides, dividers and drawers, the idea is to hydrate the lining. Wipe up any real wet spots.

Calibrate your hygromitor; again there are a number of ways to do this. Wrapping it in a towel wet with distilled water is the method I prefer, wait 30 minutes before checking the gauge, it should read between 90% and 95% RH.

If it doesn't; adjust it if possible if not make a note as to how far off the reading is from 90-95.

Charge the humidifier before placing it and the hygrometer in the humidor.

This may take the first time, if not repeat the steps again, it should only take 1 - 3 days by this way.

You can use steam in addition to this. Boil distilled water, pour it into a small bowl or glass and place it in the bottom of the humidor on plastic.

Hope this helps,

Dmntd

[dillon157]

I bought a 65%rh 1 oz. humidifier tube of beads from heartfelt. Once my humidor is properly seasoned, should I just set that in the bottom of the humidor and then put my cigars in? Should the tube be placed on top of all the cigars, bottom, middle, side, etc.?

Thanks again for the help so far.

[RGD]

Originally Posted by dillon157

I bought a 65%rh 1 oz. humidifier tube of beads from heartfelt. Once my humidor is properly seasoned, should I just set that in the bottom of the humidor and then put my cigars in? Should the tube be placed on top of all the cigars, bottom, middle, side, etc.?

Thanks again for the help so far.

Yes - once your humidor is up and running you can place the Viper beads on the top, middle, bottom, side - where ever you want to. I say this as I assume you have a smaller humidor - 100 count or less as you say you bought 1 oz. of beads.
Do not wet all of the beads - great thing about them is that they add RH and remove RH. If you wet them totally they will not be able to remove RH.

Ron

[dillon157]

Thanks RGD... I wasn't sure if any one location was better than another but since it doesn't really matter too much, I'll just put it where there's room. Also, thanks for the tip on not adding water to all of the beads. I hadn't read that in other threads (or maybe I skipped it).

[TMoneYNYY]

Personally, I wet a rag with distilled water and cover the inside of the humi with the water. Then, I would place a (small) dish of distilled water to hold the humidity.

When you think it's done, then you put your sticks in w/your humidification device and enjoy!!!!!!

[El Jefe]

I have a question regarding seasoning as well. I just bought the Tower of Power Cabinet Humi and the Oasis XL II Humidifier. I wiped down the insides with Distilled a couple days ago and set the Oasis for 70 RH. The Hygrometers are pretty level at 70 RH now. How long should I wait until I can put my gars in their new home?

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by El Jefe

I have a question regarding seasoning as well. I just bought the Tower of Power Cabinet Humi and the Oasis XL II Humidifier. I wiped down the insides with Distilled a couple days ago and set the Oasis for 70 RH. The Hygrometers are pretty level at 70 RH now. How long should I wait until I can put my gars in their new home?

If it has been a couple of days I would go ahead and put the cigars in. Just remember that if you are putting quite a few in that it may make the humidity change some as the sticks absorb/release moisture. After a day or two it should settle in though. Just my

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by El Jefe

I have a question regarding seasoning as well. I just bought the Tower of Power Cabinet Humi and the Oasis XL II Humidifier. I wiped down the insides with Distilled a couple days ago and set the Oasis for 70 RH. The Hygrometers are pretty level at 70 RH now. How long should I wait until I can put my gars in their new home?

Looks like you are good to go.

[RGD]

Originally Posted by madurolover

If it has been a couple of days I would go ahead and put the cigars in. Just remember that if you are putting quite a few in that it may make the humidity change some as the sticks absorb/release moisture. After a day or two it should settle in though. Just my

Yep - what he said. So don't get all excited when your humidity level jumps up or down. Just let it go and it will settle out.


Ron

[txdyna65]

Get her good and seasoned Miles, you'll need it in a few days

[dillon157]

Originally Posted by txdyna65

Get her good and seasoned Miles, you'll need it in a few days

I'm starting to get scared. I hope she's ready (the humi).....

[Sigarz]

Yep if after a month or so everything is looking good with your gars in there then she should be all set for the long haul as long as you keep the humidification charged.