davidjfingerlos Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 Ladies and Gents. I received a 50 count humidor as a gift. I've carefully seasoned it and now have four, #72 Boveda packs, a fully charged, 50ct Xicar humidifier, AND a shot glass half full of distilled water in it. I've been experimenting with this for about three weeks now. The problem is, I can't get the humidity to go above 58% (at 65F). Other than lining the stupid humidor with soaked sponges, I don't know how to get it up to 70%. Can anyone help me? BFWA
Colt45 Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 How sure are you of the accuracy of your hygrometer? I'd also try and make sure there's a good seal with the lid. It's usually easier to bring up the humidity when the humidor is full of cigars. These are just a few things to check.
kcheek Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 How sure are you of the accuracy of your hygrometer? This is the first thought that comes into my head while reading. Have you done a salt test on your hygrometer to ensure it is giving an accurate reading?
Dbone Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 If not seasoned well the humidor will continue absorbing moisture leaving the inside dry. I know you said your new humidor has been seasoned already, Im just thinking out loud. When I season a new humidor Ill leave a triple or more shot size of distilled water inside for up to three weeks, or until I've noticed there's no more water being absorbed. Add more water as needed. Do not wet down the inside. The wood lining the inside, top, and bottom must be take in all the moisture it can hold before it can hold a stable RH inside your humidor.
davidjfingerlos Posted January 23, 2011 Author Posted January 23, 2011 I appreciate the feedback. I haven't checked the hygrometer for about six months. It's a digital and was dead one when I check it last. I'll redo the salt test today. Indeed, the humidor currently has only about ten sticks in it right now. Don't want to commit to more until I'm sure there isn't something "wrong" with it. The lid seal feels pretty solid (best I can tell). It takes a very slight amount of pressure to push it closed. Any other thoughts are welcome. BFWA
kcheek Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 What is the ambient humidity outside the box? This could be a strong factor if it is very low. Also be sure to recheck the hygrometer, I have had some deviate over time.
thechenman Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 If the seal on your humidor is good and the room is at 65F...the most likely issues are they hygrometer or the external humidity outside your humidor. As stated, humidors mantain more stable humidty levels when they are full. I used Boveda Packets to season all my humidors...if it isn't enough, the shot glass of distilled water helps. Patience is key. Give the dollar bill test a try to see if the lid is truly sealing. If you have to apply pressure to close it, maybe it isn't closing all the way. Slip in a dollar. Close the lid and pull out the bill. It should come out, but with some difficulty.
davidjfingerlos Posted January 24, 2011 Author Posted January 24, 2011 TEST RESULTS: Ambient conditions: 34% at 65F. 24 hour salt test for Hygrometer: 64% at 68F. So my hygrometer is whacked for sure. Dollar Bill Test: Not as snug as I expected for as tight as the lid seems to seal. Would love to hear theories and recommendations with this new data. Thanks in advance for your help. BFWA
Colt45 Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 24 hour salt test for Hygrometer: 64% at 68F. So my hygrometer is whacked for sure. So that means your humidor is at about 69% (58 + 11 - salt test should be 75%)
JY0 Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 So that means your humidor is at about 69% (58 + 11 - salt test should be 75%) Perfect!
davidjfingerlos Posted January 25, 2011 Author Posted January 25, 2011 ok - I'm about to shame myself - but I don't understand the salt test, apparently. I thought the hygrometer would read 75% (in the plastic bag) if it was accurate.
Colt45 Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 I thought the hygrometer would read 75% (in the plastic bag) if it was accurate. Yes, it should read 75%. All it means is that your hygro currently reads about eleven points low. So now when you check you humidity, add eleven to the reading. You originally had a reading of 58% - add eleven and you have 69% If it bothers you, you can now buy adjustable digitals. I try to test my hygros twice a year. They usually read a point low, do I just add one to whatever they read. WIth the change of seasons, I probably should be testing mine. The only shame would be feeling you shouldn't ask any questions
davidjfingerlos Posted January 25, 2011 Author Posted January 25, 2011 Indeed - another example of FOH teamwork. Thanks to all for the input. BFWA
.png.15b5f6bc4159a73805a9f118f79a68ca.png)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now