Do I have to use propylene glycol in my humidor?

The short answer is yes – unlikely, but yes. How? You can still get mold in your humidor even if you're only using distilled water or propylene glycol – however, distilled water and propylene glycol aren't going to cause mold.

Simply so, do you need propylene glycol for a humidor?

When your humidor becomes too dry, propylene glycol will release absorbed moisture into the area. However, when there is too much humidity, propylene glycol actually absorbs the excess, keeping the environment stable. You also need to make sure that you check the humidity levels in your humidor every two weeks or so.

Subsequently, question is, how long does humidor gel last? According to her, “The humidifier gel crystals will last for years (around 10) if they never go completely dry. If the crystals go dry every time before recharging, maybe 1½ – 2 years tops.”

Additionally, what is propylene glycol distilled water?

The Activation or Propylene Glycol Solution is a solution that contains a mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water. Propylene glycol is a two-way humidification device that works in two ways: it will both humidify and absorb excess humidity in your humidor. It also acts as a bacterial and mold inhibitor.

Is 80 humidity too high for cigars?

Don't be alarmed if your hygrometer reads 80-85 percent humidity. Humidity should normally be only 70 percent, but during the seasoning process, it's normal for it to be higher.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How often should I season my humidor?

A. You should only need to “condition” your humidor once: when you first set it up for “seasoning.” If done properly, the box will continue to season itself over time as the moisture absorbed by the cedar walls reaches a consistent ebb & flow.

How do I know if my humidor is seasoned?

So as long as you are getting big swings in RH your humidor is still seasoning. Also, if you have not done so you should salt test or calibrate your hygrometer to see how accurate it is. It's good to know that when it is reading 68% that it is actually in the vicinity and not off by a huge amount.

How do you mix propylene glycol with water for a humidor?

Mix equal parts propylene glycol and distilled water in a small bowl. The amount needed will vary depending on the size of your Oasis foam; you will need enough to moisten the piece of foam. Dip the foam into the propylene glycol/water solution to dampen it.

How long does it take to season a humidor with Boveda?

14 days

Where do you buy propylene glycol?

You can buy Propylene Glycol at Walgreen or Walmart, but it only comes in really small containers. Just order it online.

Should I take cigars out of plastic in humidor?

Whether you take the wrapper on or off is a matter of preference. Cellophane is porous and will allow your cigars to age. They will also help your cigars maintain their humidity. Keeping the cellophane on is a good idea if you travel with your humidor or if you open your humidor very frequently.

How quickly does Boveda work?

Typically, 24 hours is how long it should take if it's just a Boveda and a hygrometer in a sealed bag. Then adjust after 24 hours and wait another 24 hours as needed until you get it dialed in. The cigars could be absorbing moisture and affecting hygrometer readings.

What is PG solution?

XIKAR® PG Solution (propylene glycol) is manufactured to our exact specifications. This pre-mixed solution will keep your humidor at 70% Relative Humidity when used with XIKAR's Crystal Humidifiers to ensure a "humidor fresh" smoke every time. XIKAR PG Solution is an anti-fungal agent and will not plug humidifiers.

How do you test a hygrometer?

Here's how to test your hygrometer using the salt method:

Place a teaspoon of salt in a bottle cap or small cup and dampen it with a few drops of water (without dissolving it).
Carefully place the wet salt and the hygrometer inside a see-through container and close tightly.

Do Boveda packs work?

The saturation level of certain salts in water naturally regulates the humidity in the immediate environment to a pre-specified relative humidity level. When placed in a container or package, the Boveda pack either emits or draws in moisture from the surrounding air, keeping your herbs at the optimal humidity level.

What kind of water do you use in a humidor?

Distilled water and propylene glycol (also called 50/50 solution) are best for your humidor because they are free of the harmful bacteria and impurities that create mold. You can pick up a gallon of distilled water at the supermarket or convenience store for around a dollar or two.

What is propylene glycol in?

Propylene glycol is commonly found in many packaged foods, such as drink mixes, dressings, dried soups, cake mix, soft drinks, popcorn, food coloring, fast foods, bread and dairy products ( 6 ).

How do you start a humidor?

How to setup your new humidor

Do not rinse the inside of your humidor with water.
Insert a humidification device.
Fill a plastic cup or dish with water and place it inside the humidor.
Check the humidity inside the humidor in 24 hours.
Do not add any cigars to your new humidor until the relative humidity reaches 65% to 70%.

How long do Boveda packs last?

2 months

How do you clean a humidor?

Take a paper towel, clean dust-free cloth, or a new, clean sponge dampened with Isopropyl alcohol, and very lightly wipe down the entire interior of the humidor. Don't overdo it; you just want to make sure that any residual mold spores have been treated. Wipe down the humidor again, this time with distilled water.

Can I use just distilled water in my humidor?

Wipe the Inside of the Humidor With Distilled Water

To season a humidor, all you need is some distilled water, a clean unscented sponge or cloth, and some patience—at least for a few days. Do not use tap water in place of distilled water.

How do you use heartfelt beads?

You can use a Heartfelt drawstring mesh bag, Heartfelt Humi Tubes, place the beads in a shot glass or small dish, put them is a leftover container with holes drilled in the lid, nylon stockings (be careful stealing them from your wife or significant other) or any other container.