Seasoning a humidor is an essential step to prepare it for properly storing and preserving cigars. The seasoning process helps establish and stabilize the humidity level inside the humidor. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season a humidor:
1. Gather the necessary materials: You will need distilled water, a clean sponge or cloth, a hygrometer (to measure humidity), and, of course, your humidor.
2. Clean the humidor: Before starting the seasoning process, ensure that the humidor is clean and free of any dust, debris, or odors. Wipe down the interior with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove any impurities.
3. Prepare the humidification device: If your humidor has a built-in humidification device or uses an active humidification system, follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare it for use.
4. Hygrometer placement: Place the hygrometer inside the humidor, preferably near the top or in a central location. This will allow you to monitor the humidity levels accurately during the seasoning process.
5. Preparing the sponge or cloth: Dampen a clean sponge or cloth with distilled water. Distilled water is recommended because it is free of minerals and impurities that can affect the humidor's performance.
6. Moistening the humidor: Wipe down the interior walls, shelves, and tray (if applicable) of the humidor with the damp sponge or cloth. Ensure that the surfaces are evenly moistened, but avoid over-saturating them. The wood should absorb the moisture gradually.
7. Adding a dish of distilled water (optional): To speed up the seasoning process, you can also place a small dish or container of distilled water inside the humidor. This helps increase humidity levels within the confined space.
8. Closing the humidor: Once the interior surfaces are dampened and the optional dish of distilled water is in place, close the humidor and let it sit undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours.
9. Monitor humidity levels: After the initial resting period, check the humidity levels using the hygrometer. The ideal humidity range for cigars typically falls between 65% and 75%. If the humidity is below this range, repeat the dampening process with the sponge or cloth and allow the humidor to rest again until the desired humidity level is reached.
10. Seasoning completion: Once the humidor consistently maintains the desired humidity level, it is considered seasoned and ready for use.
Remember, the seasoning process is crucial to ensure that the humidor provides a stable and appropriate environment for storing cigars. Regularly monitor and maintain the humidity levels inside the humidor by using a reliable hygrometer and refilling or maintaining the humidification device as needed.