A humidor is a great way to prolong the life of your cigars.You have to do some work before you can use your humidor.You will need to make sure the humidity levels are safe to store cigars in.
Step 1: Take your materials.
Most materials can be found at a hardware store or department store.You also need a hygrometer.The device is used to measure the amount of water in the atmosphere.You might be able to find one at a store.Buy one online if you can't find it.Distilled water, a plastic bag, cloth, or sponge are also required.
Step 2: Your hygrometer should be turned on.
This will make sure the hygrometer can measure the humidity.Get the towel wet.Use warm water.The hygrometer should be wrapped in the towel.For 30 minutes, set it aside.calibrate the hygrometer so it reads 95 to 97 percent when removed from the towel.The hygrometer will be adjusted in different ways.Refer to your manufacturer's instructions for how to calibrate.Remove the hygrometer from the towel and it will be ready to use.You don't need to calibrate it.
Step 3: Do any work that needs to be done.
If you have a new humidor, you don't need to clean it.If you're preparing an older humidor, clean it out before you start.You can spray the inside of the humidor with compressed air if there is tobacco in it.Use a damp rag to wipe down the inside of the humidor.
Step 4: The humidifier should be submerged in water.
There is a small, circular humidifier in most humidors.You can buy one at a tobacco shop if yours does not.The water should be in a bowl.The bowl has the humidifier in it.The face of the humidifier should be kept down.It should be submerged for 2 to 3 minutes.When you remove the humidor, wipe off any excess water with a paper towel.You need to use distilled water.A humidor can be damaged by tap water.
Step 5: Put the bag and sponge in the humidor.
You can open the humidor.The bottom should be lined with a bag.Put the sponge on top of the bag by using distilled water.
Step 6: The hygrometer and humidifier need to be installed.
The inside lid of your humidor has these installed.You should be able to see where the pieces fit.Refer to your humidor's instructions manual if you are unsure.Close the humidor once the hygrometer is in place.There is a place where the humidor won't be disturbed.It should be left closed for 12 to 24 hours.
Step 7: The process should be repeated.
You will repeat this process again after 12 to 24 hours.Attach the humidor to the water with a plastic bag and sponge.The humidor should be set aside for 12 to 24 hours after installation.The humidity should be between 65% and 75% after you're done.Right after you complete the process, it may be slightly higher.Give the levels some time to go down.After repeating the process a second time, your humidor may not be as good.You will need to repeat the process one more time.
Step 8: It is necessary to store cigars properly.
Before storing a cigar in a humidor, you should remove the paper wrapping.Cigars that are wrapped won't breathe well.The point of a humidor is to prevent them from being seasoned and flavoured.
Step 9: Limit the number of times you open your humidor.
It's important to keep humidity levels stable.It's a bad idea to open the humidor too often.When you need a cigar, open your humidor.Take one out and close the humidor.
Step 10: As necessary.
The humidity level should be between 65 and 75%.Make sure the level isn't dropping by checking the hygrometer once in a while.You will have to repeat the process if the humidity drops.The humidor would be the same as it was when you prepared it.When you repeat the process, make sure to use distilled water.The second time around is just as important as the first.The humidor can be damaged by tap water.
Step 11: It is a good idea to store your humidor safely.
A humidor should be kept away from the sun.You should keep your humidor away from the heat or air conditioning ducts.A drawer is the best place to keep a humidor.If you have children or animals, keep the humidor away from them.