Frequently asked questions about the humidor

How long does a cigar keep in a humidor?

In a properly maintained humidor (65–70% relative humidity, 18–21°C), a cigar keeps indefinitely. There is no expiration date. Cigars aged for 5–10 years are sought after and often more prized than fresh ones, because the tobacco oils round out and integrate over time.

The conditions for prolonged aging are: stable humidity at 65–70%, temperature below 21°C, quality Spanish cedar and minimal openings. When these conditions are met, a cigar can keep improving for decades.

How do you store cigars without a humidor?

Without a humidor, a cigar kept in its original box and sealed inside a zip-lock bag will last 2–3 weeks before drying out irreversibly. For longer stretches without a humidor, you can use a Tupperware container with a sponge dampened with distilled water (not touching the cigars) as an emergency fix.

This makeshift solution is not stable: humidity fluctuates and there is no cedar to act as a buffer. For storage beyond a month, a humidor is indispensable. Even the cheapest model is better than no humidor at all.

The cigars are too damp — what should I do?

If the cigars are too damp (soft to the touch, hard draws, uneven burn), the problem is humidity above 75%. The remedies, in order of intervention:

1. Remove the humidifier for 24–48 hours and close the humidor. The humidity will drop naturally.
2. Check the hygrometer — it may not be calibrated. See our calibration guide.
3. Replace the solution if you use propylene glycol: a mix that is too rich holds more water than necessary.
4. Air the cigars: take them out for 30 minutes in a dry room, then put them back without the humidifier for another 24 hours.

The target is to return to 68–70%. Do not drop below 60%, or you will swing from too damp to too dry.

How often should you open the humidor?

A humidor should be opened no more than 1–2 times a week for valuable collections. Each opening releases stored humidity and admits dry air that the cedar must reabsorb. For everyday humidors (cigars you smoke regularly), 3–4 openings a week are acceptable provided the humidifier is efficient.

The worst time to open is in winter, when the air inside homes is very dry because of the heating. A single opening in those conditions can drop the internal humidity by 5–8%, requiring hours to recover.

Which humidifier should you choose for the humidor?

There are four main types of humidifier, with increasing precision and cost:

• Passive sponge: economical, absorbs and releases humidity passively. Accuracy ±5%. Requires recharging every 7–14 days.
• Polymer gel crystals: absorb up to 400 times their weight in water, more stable than the sponge. Accuracy ±3%. Recharge every 2–3 weeks.
• Propylene glycol cartridge: uses a 50/50 PG/water solution that self-regulates at 70%. Accuracy ±2%. Replace the solution every 6 months.
• Electronic humidifier: integrated fan and sensor, keeps humidity within ±1%. Requires battery or mains power. Ideal for large collections.

For artisanal humidors up to 100 cigars, gel crystals or a PG cartridge offer the best value for money.

Distilled water or propylene glycol solution?

Distilled water: pure, mineral-free. Should always be used to recharge any humidifier. The minerals in tap water clog sponges and leave deposits on the cedar.

Propylene glycol (PG) solution: a 50% propylene glycol and 50% distilled water mix. It has a unique property: at room temperature it releases humidity up to 70% and absorbs it above 70%, self-regulating. It is used only in sponge or cartridge humidifiers, not in gel crystals.

The PG solution should be replaced every 6 months because the propylene glycol evaporates slowly and loses its buffering action. Between replacements, top up with distilled water only.

Plume or mold: how to tell them apart?

Plume (or bloom): a crystalline, dry white film that looks like icing sugar. It is the crystallisation of tobacco oils rising to the surface. It is a sign of correct aging and is desirable. It brushes off easily.

Mold: fuzzy down that can be white, green, yellow or blue. It is damp to the touch, has an earthy smell and does not brush off easily. If you see it, read our complete guide to eliminating mold.

Practical rule: if it is crystalline and dry, it is plume (leave it). If it is fuzzy and damp, it is mold (act immediately).

Can you store cigars in the fridge?

No, the fridge is one of the worst places for cigars. The internal temperature (4–8°C) is too low and the relative humidity fluctuates between 20% and 60%, well below the 65–70% required. Cigars dry out within days.

Furthermore, the fridge holds odours (cheese, garlic, other food) that the wrapper absorbs quickly. A cigar kept in the fridge picks up foreign smells that ruin the flavour irreversibly.

The only exception is freezing at −18°C in a sealed bag for 4 days, used exclusively as a treatment against the tobacco beetle. After freezing, the cigar must be brought back to room temperature gradually and returned to the humidor.

How do you manage a humidor in winter?

Winter is the most critical season for the humidor. Domestic heating lowers ambient relative humidity to 30–40%, well below the 65–70% inside. The humidor loses moisture faster through the joints and every opening causes an immediate drop.

What to do:

• Recharge the humidifier more often: every 5–7 days instead of 10–14.
• Check the gaskets: the wood shrinks in the dry, and the joints can loosen.
• Move it away from radiators: even 2 metres of distance makes a big difference.
• Use a larger humidification setup: in winter you may need a bigger humidifier or a second device.

How do you manage a humidor in summer?

Summer brings two problems opposite to winter: high temperature and excessive ambient humidity. If the internal temperature of the humidor exceeds 23°C, the risk of tobacco beetle and mold rises sharply.

What to do:

• Move the humidor to the coolest room in the house, away from direct sunlight.
• Reduce the humidifier: in summer ambient humidity is already high, so the humidifier can be less active or even removed temporarily.
• Monitor the temperature with a thermometer, not just the hygrometer. If you exceed 23°C, consider an air-conditioned environment.
• Air it more often: stagnant air encourages mold.