Getting Started

If you purchase a new humidor, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
Important: Don’t base your choice solely on price! While inexpensive humidors may serve the purpose, investing in quality is always worthwhile. Look for a humidor lined with cedar wood, which retains moisture exceptionally well and enhances the natural aroma of cigars with its own scent.

Before placing cigars in your new humidor, put a bowl of distilled water inside for two to three days (longer for larger humidors) to allow the cedar wood to absorb moisture. This is crucial because the wood is typically dry upon delivery and would otherwise draw moisture out of your cigars—something you want to avoid. Avoid wiping the wood with water, as over-saturation could lead to mold formation.

Place your humidor away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as these can negatively impact the quality of your cigars.

Storage

Once your humidor is prepared, you can add your cigars. If you have an entire box, it’s best to place the entire box inside. Many non-Cuban cigars are packaged in Cellophane wrappers, which provide additional protection and act as an aroma-safe barrier. These wrappers should not be removed during storage. The same applies to cigars in tubes (Tubos).

Cigars need peace during storage, so let them rest undisturbed. If your humidor has multiple levels, keep the cigars you wish to age separate from your everyday cigars. If you have a second humidor, it’s even better to fully separate them. Aging requires a stable climate, which can be disrupted by frequent opening and closing of the humidor.

Important: A humidor’s purpose is not to humidify cigars but to maintain their existing moisture levels.

Regular Maintenance

Most humidors come with analog hair hygrometers, which are often inaccurate. Relying on them is not ideal. Digital hygrometers are more reliable, and you can also perform occasional compression tests. To do this, gently press a cigar from the humidor. If it feels elastic, the humidity is correct. If it feels too soft, the humidity is too high, and you should temporarily remove the humidifier.

Avoid advice suggesting you leave the humidor open for a while to lower humidity. While this does reduce humidity, it also causes the cigars to lose their aroma. If a cigar feels too hard, refill the humidifier or consider adding a second one. To maintain precision, you can use humidity control packs (e.g., Boveda), which regulate moisture levels effectively.

Important: Always refill the humidifier with distilled water, as tap water contains impurities that could harm your cigars. Alternatively, clean and rehydrate the humidifier by running it through a dishwasher cycle. Be sure to rinse away any soap residue thoroughly and let it air-dry on a paper towel before placing it back in the humidor.

By following these steps, your cigars will remain in optimal condition, ready to deliver a premium smoking experience.