Common Problems

Problems and Their Solutions

Below is a list of the main issues that may arise in cigar storage, along with their possible solutions.

Mold

Mold can form on cigars when they are stored at excessively high temperatures. Cigars show signs of infestation when the tips of the leaves are perforated. In their two-month lifespan, tobacco beetles grow up to 5 mm in length. Cigars should be immediately removed from the humidor, and each one should be carefully inspected for pests. After selecting the infested cigars and cleaning the humidor, healthy cigars can be placed back inside. To ensure that no larvae survive inside the affected cigars, it is a good idea to place them in the freezer for a few days. Thawing should be done gradually to avoid breaking the leaves. Except in these circumstances, always avoid freezing cigars due to the lack of minimum humidity levels!

Tobacco Beetle Infestation

Tobacco beetle infestation occurs mainly when cigars are stored at excessively high temperatures. Cigars show signs of infestation when the tips of the leaves are perforated. In their two-month lifespan, tobacco beetles grow up to 5 mm in length. Cigars should be immediately removed from the humidor, and each one should be carefully inspected for pests. After selecting the infested cigars and cleaning the humidor, healthy cigars can be placed back inside. To ensure no larvae survive inside the affected cigars, it is recommended to place them in the freezer for a few days. Thawing should be done gradually to avoid breaking the leaves. Except in these circumstances, always avoid freezing cigars due to the lack of minimum humidity levels!

Low Humidity

If the humidity level inside the humidor is low, follow these steps:

Ensure that the hygrometer has been calibrated using the saline solution method, that there is enough propylene glycol solution (for sponge humidifiers), and that the interior walls have been sufficiently moistened before use.

You can refill the humidifier with distilled water.

If the drop in humidity occurs long after initial use, it may be due to improper use. For example, using tap water can clog the sponge's pores, or too much propylene glycol can prevent further absorption of distilled water. If humidity drops immediately after introducing dry cigars into the humidor, don't worry. The level will tend to stabilize after a few days. Frequently opening the humidor also causes humidity loss. Any fluctuations around 70% should not cause concern. Also, consider the precision of the hygrometer's humidity readings.

High Humidity

If the humidity level is too high, follow these precautions:

Ensure that the hygrometer has been calibrated using the saline solution method, that there is enough propylene glycol solution (for sponge humidifiers), and that the interior walls have been sufficiently moistened before use.

For sponge humidifiers only: If the saline solution hasn't been refilled for several months, it's time to do so with a propylene glycol solution. Any fluctuations around 70% should not cause concern. Also, consider the precision of the hygrometer's humidity readings.

Humidor Seeping Resin

The essential oils from Spanish cedar can cause resin formation on the surface of the wood, especially if the wood was not carefully dried before use. Resin can be easily removed with acetone. Resinous areas can also be treated with very fine sandpaper. This cleaning process may need to be repeated 2 or 3 times, especially if a very durable protective varnish was used. Although resin doesn't affect cigar quality, contact with cigars can damage the outer leaves. After using cleaning agents, the humidor should be thoroughly ventilated before returning the cigars.

Reviving Dry Cigars

Storing overly dry cigars in a humidor can help them regain their original qualities, keeping in mind that humidity should always be increased gradually. A couple of months in a well-ventilated humidor can be sufficient for cigars to recover their old aroma. Given the fragility of dry cigars, they must be handled carefully to avoid breakage.

Unpleasant Odors

It is possible that after using non-odorless cleaning agents inside the humidor, residual traces remain. Remember that such chemicals should only be used in cases of real emergency. To eliminate unpleasant odors, follow these steps: Fully open the humidor and air it out. If this is not enough and the smell persists after a few days, you can place a glass of whiskey or brandy inside the humidor. Some enthusiasts intentionally add a few drops of whiskey or brandy to the humidor to customize the taste of their cigars.