You’ve just purchased a beautiful new humidor. Your first instinct is likely to fill it with your finest sticks immediately. Stop! A new humidor is essentially a box of “thirsty” wood. Because the Spanish Cedar lining is kiln-dried, it will act like a sponge. If you put cigars in immediately, the wood will suck the moisture directly out of the tobacco, ruining your cigars within days. This process of “priming” the wood is called Seasoning.
Here is how to do it correctly to ensure your cigars stay at a perfect 68%–72% Relative Humidity (RH).
Pre-Step: The Inspection
Before adding any water, check the seal of your humidor. Close the lid on a dollar bill; if you can pull the bill out easily, the seal is too loose. A good humidor should close with a satisfying “whoosh” of air.
Step 1: Calibrate Your Hygrometer
Your hygrometer is your only window into the health of your cigars. Whether digital or analog, it must be calibrated.
- The Salt Test: Place a teaspoon of salt in a bottle cap and add a few drops of distilled water (not enough to dissolve it). Place the cap and the hygrometer inside a sealed Ziploc bag for 24 hours. The reading should be exactly 75%. If not, adjust your settings or remember the deviation.
Step 2: The Wiping Method (The Traditional Way)
- Use Distilled Water Only: Never use tap water. Tap water contains minerals that clog the pores of the cedar and chemicals like chlorine that can ruin the cigar’s aroma.
- Dampen a Clean Cloth: Take a new microfiber cloth or sponge and dampen it with distilled water. It should be moist, but not dripping.
- Wipe the Interior: Gently wipe down all the exposed cedar surfaces, including dividers and trays. The wood will darken slightly as it absorbs the water.
- Avoid Puddles: Do not leave standing water inside the humidor, as this can cause the wood to warp.
Step 3: The Stabilization Period (24–48 Hours)
Place your humidification device (beads, gel, or boveda packs) inside. Close the lid and wait.
- The Patience Rule: Do not open the lid for at least 24 hours. The goal is to allow the moisture to penetrate deep into the grain of the wood, not just the surface.
Step 4: Re-evaluate and Add Your Cigars
After 24–48 hours, check the hygrometer.
- If the humidity is between 72% and 75%, it is slightly high, which is perfect. When you add your cigars (which are likely around 65%–69%), they will absorb some of that extra humidity, and the box will settle at a perfect 70%.
- If it is still below 70%, repeat the wipe-down and wait another 24 hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Tap Water: Leads to mold and “stinky” cigars.
- Over-Saturating: Can cause the lid to warp so it no longer closes.
- Rushing the Process: If the wood isn’t fully seasoned, it will slowly kill your cigars over the next month.
Summary
Seasoning is the “insurance policy” for your cigars. By taking 48 hours to properly prepare the wood, you are ensuring that every cigar you smoke from that box will be exactly as the blender intended: rich, oily, and perfect.