13 Tips to Reach the Perfect Humidor Humidity

Cigars are more than just a hobby — they’re a ritual. And like any ritual, perfection lies in the details. When it comes to cigars, humidity is everything. Too dry, and you’ll be left with cracked wrappers and harsh flavors; too moist, and your cigar will burn unevenly or even develop mold.

The good news? Keeping your cigars in pristine, smoke-ready condition isn’t rocket science. With the right tools and a few practical habits, you can easily master humidor humidity. Let’s walk you through tried-and-true tips to help you nail the perfect environment for your collection.

How to Keep the Ideal Humidity in Humidor 

In the following sections, we’re going to discuss some of our best tips to maintain humidor's humidity level. If you follow these tips, you’ll ensure you always have the best humidity for cigars in your humidor. 

1. Aim for 70% humidity & 70°F: The 70/70 rule explained

The 70/70 rule is a guideline for maintaining the correct humidity level in your humidor. The rule states that you should aim to keep the humidor at 70% humidity and the temperature at 70 °F. 

To achieve this, you will need to use a hygrometer to measure the cigar humidity level and a thermometer to measure the temperature. You can then adjust your humidor cabinet's humidity as necessary to reach the desired levels.

If the humidity level is too high, you can remove some water from your humidifier or open up your humidor briefly to let some moisture escape. If the humidity level is too low, you can add more water to your humidifier or ensure that your humidor is tightly sealed.

2. Keep in mind the kind of cigars you are storing

Different brands of cigars require different levels of humidity. For example, you should store Connecticut-wrapped cigars at a higher humidity level because these types of wrappers are on the drier side and can lose all their natural oils and become brittle over time. You can find the best humidity level for your cigars by checking the manufacturer's website or by asking your tobacconist.

3. Why Spanish Cedar is the Gold Standard for Humidor Interiors

One of the most crucial steps to reaching the perfect humidity level is using a humidor lined with Spanish cedar. This type of wood is known for its ability to retain moisture and maintain humidity better.

Suppose you do not have a Spanish cedar humidor. In that case, your cigars will be susceptible to fluctuations in humidity, which can cause them to become dry or soggy, tremendously affecting their exquisite flavor and aroma. Spanish cedar will help keep your cigars in optimal condition and allow you to smoke your cigars when they’re at their best. 

4. Season your humidor 

Seasoning a humidor helps create a stable environment and ensures that your cigars will be kept in prime condition. You can use a few different methods to season your humidor, but we recommend using distilled water and a hygrometer to get the job done.

First, fill a small bowl or dish with distilled water and place it inside your humidor. Next, set your hygrometer on top of the bowl and close the humidor’s lid. Allow the humidor to sit undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours so that the humidity levels can stabilize before adding any cigars.

5. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level

There are two types of hygrometers: analog and digital. Analog hygrometers use a physical needle to indicate the humidity level, while digital hygrometers use an LCD screen to display the humidity level. Both types work by measuring the amount of electrical resistance that changes when moisture is present in the air.

It is vital to calibrate your hygrometer at least once a month to give you accurate readings. If you have an analog hygrometer, turn the calibration screw located at the base of the needle clockwise to raise the number or counterclockwise to lower it. If you have a digital hygrometer, press the "calibrate" button and use the arrows to adjust the humidity level.

6. Utilize a humidifier to maintain the ideal humidity

Once you have determined the correct cigar humidor humidity level, it is crucial to take measures to maintain that level. One way to do this is by using a humidifier. 

A cigar humidifier works by releasing a small amount of water vapor into the air to increase humidity. This is done through a wick that absorbs water from a reservoir, which then slowly releases the moisture into the air.

Make sure to keep your humidifier filled with distilled water or another quality demineralized water. Regular tap water can cause mineral buildup over a period of time and eventually damage your humidor and cigars.

7. Get accurate temperature control

Temperature is just as important as humidity when it comes to cigar storage. The ideal temperature range for a humidor is between 63 to 70 °F. Anything outside that range can cause your cigars to become too dry or too moist.

If you live in a climate where the temperature often fluctuates, you may need to invest in a humidor with a built-in thermostat to help regulate the temperature. This will help ensure that your cigars are kept in perfect conditions all year round!

8. Keep your humidor away from any heat source

Another step to maintaining the perfect humidity level in your humidor is to keep it away from any heat sources or direct sunlight. Heat will cause the humidity level to rise and potentially damage your cigars. 

Additionally, sunlight can cause the temperature in your humidor to increase, leading to too much humidity. So, try to keep your humidor in a cool and dry place where the temperature remains consistent.

9. Try placing your humidor in the basement

Basements are typically cooler and more humid than other parts of the house, making them ideal for storing cigars. This will help keep the humidity consistent and prevent fluctuations that can damage your smoke.

If you don't have a basement, try placing your humidor in another room that doesn't get a lot of sunlight. Just make sure that the area stays within the recommended humidity range for cigars (65-72%). Another option is to purchase a climate-controlled electric humidor that will maintain a more consistent humidity level than using room temperature alone.

10. Turn off the cooler or air conditioner

If you have a cooler or air conditioner in the same room as your humidor, chances are it is affecting the humidity level. These devices work by removing moisture from the air, which can cause your cigars to dry out. If possible, try to keep your humidor in a room without one of these appliances.

If you cannot move your humidor to another room, try turning off the cooler or air conditioner when you are using your humidor. This will help maintain the best humidity for cigars. 

11. Consider using an ice pack 

If you are having trouble maintaining the correct temperature and humidity level in your humidor, one trick is to use an ice pack. Place the ice pack in a sealed bag and then put it inside your humidor. This will help create a cold environment that will help reduce the humidity. Be sure to remove it once the moisture reaches the desired level!

Note: Do not use this method if you use a hygrometer to monitor humidity in your humidor. The ice pack could damage or interfere with its function.

12. Make sure that your humidor is properly sealed

Any cracks or openings in your humidor will cause moisture to escape and dust to build up. If your humidor is not sealed correctly, it will be challenging to maintain the best humidity level for cigars, and it could cause mold and mildew to form.

How can you tell if a cigar humidor is adequately sealed? You can test for air leakage by placing a dollar bill or piece of paper between the lid and body of the humidor. If you can pull the dollar bill or paper out easily, your humidor is not properly sealed, and you will need to reseal it using silicone or wood glue.

13. Don’t forget regular humidor maintenance

Even the best humidors need a little TLC. Here’s a simple routine to keep yours running perfectly:

• Refill your humidifier every two weeks (or as needed).

• Wipe down the interior with distilled water every few months to prevent dryness.

• Re-calibrate your hygrometer monthly to ensure accurate readings.

• Inspect cigars weekly for signs of mold, beetles, or wrapper cracks.

A little upkeep goes a long way toward preserving your prized smokes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a humidor?

A humidor is a storage box specifically designed to house cigars. It maintains the ideal humidity and temperature needed to keep cigars at their best.

What is the perfect humidity for cigars?

The perfect humidity for cigars is around 70%. However, it may vary depending on the type of cigar and your personal preference.

How to lower humidity levels?

If your humidor is too humid, you can use a hygrometer to measure the moisture and then adjust the humidity control accordingly to your desired level. You can also open the lid of your humidor for 30 minutes or so to let some moisture escape.

How to increase humidor humidity?

There are several things you can do to increase the humidity in your humidor. One way is to add a humidifier. There are many different types of humidifiers on the market, so be sure to choose one specifically designed for use in a cigar humidor. 

You can also try adding some distilled water or a propylene glycol solution to your humidor. If all else fails, you can always purchase a pre-made humidification kit from your local cigar shop.

How long does a humidor last?

A humidor can last indefinitely if it is properly cared for. The most crucial factor in determining how long a humidor lasts is the quality of the wood used in construction. If you take care of your humidor and keep it sealed tightly, it will last for many years!

How much does a humidor cost?

A quality humidor can be a bit pricey, but it is an investment that will last you for many years. You can find desktop humidors starting at around $100, but cabinet humidors typically range in price from $400 to $1,000+.

When choosing a humidor, it is important to consider the size of your collection. A smaller humidor will do the trick if you only have a few cigars. However, you will need a larger humidor with more storage space if you have an extensive collection.

How to maintain humidity in a humidor?

For a humidor to maintain the correct humidity level, you need two essential components: a hygrometer and a humidifier. A hygrometer is used to measure the relative humidity inside your humidor. At the same time, a humidifier adds or removes moisture from the air as needed to keep the humidity at the desired level.

Is 50% humidity okay for cigars?

It is generally considered optimal to store cigars at a humidity level of around 70%. However, 50% humidity is not necessarily harmful to cigar smokers, as long as it is relatively consistent and the cigars are not left in this environment for extended periods of time. 

If the humidity level falls much below 50% or rises much above 70%, it can cause the cigars to become too dry or too moist, which can affect their flavor and burn.

Should I unwrap cigars in a humidor? 

It is recommended to keep cigars in their original packaging or a humidor until you are ready to smoke them. This helps to maintain the proper humidity and temperature conditions that cigars need to remain fresh and flavorful.

If you do decide to unwrap your cigars, it is important to make sure that they are stored in a humidor or another environment that can maintain the proper humidity and temperature. If the humidity and temperature conditions are not ideal, the cigars may become dry or lose their flavor.

Conclusion

Cigars deserve the same level of care you put into selecting them. By mastering humidor humidity, you’re not just preserving tobacco — you’re preserving the entire smoking experience.

Have questions about humidors or looking for the perfect setup? Our team is just a click away. Explore Your Elegant Bar's curated collection of best-selling humidors and cigar accessories to keep your stogies in top shape for years to come. Happy smoking!