Preparing a Humidor for First-Time Use
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Setting up a humidor for first-time use is a very important process to follow to ensure that your humidor functions properly and keeps your cigars fresh until you are able to smoke them. Failing to follow this process can result in leaking humidity through the seals of the humidor and inaccurate readings from your hygrometer, along with many other problems. Use the set of directions found below to get that humidor ready to house all of your favorite cigars.
Treating the Wood and Calibrating the Gauge
- First, using a fresh cloth (or sponge) take your Propylene Glycol Solution or Distilled Water and wet the wood on the inside of the humidor and close the lid for 24 - 48 hours. This allows the the Solution or Water to soak into the wood, causing it to expand and create a better seal to keep that humidity in.
- Second, you'll want to calibrate your hygrometer. Place a teaspoon of table salt in a shallow dish and add enough water (a few drops) to make it damp. Next, place the dish in a zip lock bag and place the hygrometer next to the dish, making sure not so get any water on the hygrometer. Now, seal the bag with air inside and allow it to sit for at least 6 hours. After this amount of time, the hygrometer should read 75%. If not, note the deviation. Some hygrometers have a small screw on the back that allows you to adjust it. If this is the case, adjust the hygrometer to 75%. Calibrating the hygrometer ensures that you get the most accurate reading of humidity to keep the cigars fresh.
- Third, fill your humidifier with Propylene Glycol Solution or Distilled Water and place it inside of the humidor. Place your hygrometer in the humidor as well.
- Finally, as long as the wood inside of the humidor is dry, it is ready to use and you can place your cigars inside to keep them fresh.
Maintenance
- The only maintenance required is to be sure that the humidor stays between 68 and 72% humidity. This requires you to fill the humidifier one to two times each month. We recommend alternating between the Propylene Glycol Solution and Distilled Water each time you fill the device.
Questions
If you have any questions during this process, please e-mail us at info@outmancigars.com. If you would like assistance with setting up your humidor, feel free to bring it to our store.
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