Humidor Activator Solution

[rack04]

I just accepted shippment of my new humidor from Tampa Humidors. To my suprised included in the box was a bottle of their Activator Solution. The specs say Propylene Glycol and Distilled water in a 80/20 solution. My question is whether I should use this solution or just stick with a shot glass of distilled water for seasoning? Thanks.

[floydpink]

Personally, I've used it in all my humidors and have been told it greatly reduces the chance of mold developing. In fact, I like to put it in a small glass of steaming solution and let it sit in the closed humi.

Some consider it bad, but I also wipe down the humi lightly to get off the cedar dust with a t-shirt moistened lightly with the solution. I have never had a warping problem and learned this technique from a large store that sells hundreds of preseasoned humidors.

[wharfrathoss]

i use distilled water for seasoning, w/the heated method-before i had beads, i used the PG solution every 4th time i'd refill the humidifier-most of the solutions i've seen though are 50/50, not 80/20-if it's 80% PG, i'd probably use it every 6th time or so-PG is designed to regulate RH around 70% & to inhibit mold-after repeated fillings w/distilled only, the PG gets "washed out" & needs replenished-if you use it every refill, i've heard the sponge gets "plugged" & can't hold much liquid-i'm no expert though, but it worked well for me-hope this helps

[Unholy1]

eh id say just use distilled water for seasoning, then use the solution to maintain humidity.

[floydpink]

I also never heard of 80/20 solution, nor having it included, which is nice since i pay 7 bucks a bottle.

I've also heard it plugs the holes on the humidifier but never saw it happen.

My humidor is a mix of beads in bags, beads in tubes, and a couple humidifiers with 50/50 solution, so I am unconventional anyways. I like to overdo the beads because it gets back to 65 fast once opened.

[gocowboys]

It plugs. I had a humidifier leak on me after using only the 50/50 solution for refills. It was not a pretty site. The stuff was all over my sticks.

I have since gone to the beads and love them.

[rack04]

Here is the activator solution that came free with the humidor.

[Unholy1]

I say dont mess with that stuff. All you need is beads and distilled water.