If you reading this, you’ve invested in your first humidor or you’re finally ready to stop pretending your ziploc bag with a wet sponge is a long-term solution.
Good. Because nothin kills a cigar collection faster than a dry, unseasoned humidor. Cigars aren’t beef jerky – they’re supposed to stay moist, pliable, and packed with rich, complex flavor. seasoning your humidor the right way is the first step toward protecting your investment and enjoying every smoke at its peak.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
Why Seasoning Your Humidor Matters:
Too many new cigar smokers make the mistake of dropping premium cigars into an unseasoned humidor and wonder why their sticks dry out, lose flavor, or burn unevenly. An unseasoned humidor doesn’t hold moisture properly, which leads to dried-out wrappers, cracked cigars, and a disappointing smoking experience.
Seasoning a humidor isn’t difficult, but it’s essential. It prepares the Spanish cedar interior to absorb and maintain the ideal humidity level (typically between 65% and 72%). Without this process, your humidor will suck moisture from your cigars instead of preserving it.
A few days of prep now can save you hundreds of dollars in ruined cigars down the line.
it means ruining your stash before you even light your first cigar.
What You’ll Need
- Distilled water (never tap water)
- Sponge or cloth (clean and unused)
- Boveda 84% seasoning packs (recommended)
- Digital hygrometer (avoid analog)
- Time and patience – 3 to 5 days
Step-by-Step: How to Season a Humidor
Wipe Down the Interior (Optional but Helpful)
Using a clean sponge or lint-free cloth, lightly dampen it with distilled water. Gently wipe the interior wood walls, lid, and trays. This gives the wood a head start absorbing moisture.
Don’t overdo it. The wood should be slightly damp to the touch, not wet. Avoid puddles or saturation, which can warp the cedar or cause mold.
Some cigar enthusiasts skip this step and rely solely on Boveda packs. That’s perfectly fine—just be prepared for the process to take a bit longer.
- Insert Humidification Devices
Place 1 to 3 Boveda 84% RH seasoning packs inside your humidor depending on its size. One pack per 25 cigars of capacity is a good rule of thumb.
Put the packs on trays or directly on the bottom—but not touching the wood if you can help it. Do not add cigars yet.
- Place a Calibrated Digital Hygrometer Inside
Before relying on your readings, calibrate your digital hygrometer using a salt test or Boveda calibration kit. Once it’s accurate, place it inside the humidor and close the lid.
- Wait 72 to 120 Hours
Leave your humidor sealed for at least 72 hours, ideally 5 full days. During this time, the cedar absorbs moisture and the internal RH gradually climbs. Resist the temptation to open the lid repeatedly, as that will prolong the process.
Monitor the hygrometer from outside if possible.
- Check Humidity Levels
After the seasoning period, open the lid and check your digital hygrometer. If the RH reads between 68% and 72% and holds steady for 24+ hours, your humidor is properly seasoned.
If it’s still below 65%, close the lid again and leave the packs in for another 24–48 hours. In rare cases, a second round of seasoning may be required if the wood was especially dry.
Signs Your Humidor Is Ready
- RH holds steady around 70%
- Cedar feels slightly humid but not damp
- No fluctuations in humidity when unopened
Once you’re confident it’s stable, remove the 84% packs and replace them with standard 69% or 72% maintenance packs. Now, you can load your cigars.
How to Know When It’s Done
Here’s how you know your humidor is properly seasoned:
- The digital hygrometer reads between 65%–72% consistently for 24–48 hours
- The interior Spanish cedar feels slightly damp to the touch—not dry, not wet
- Your cigars don’t dry out after 1–2 days inside
Once seasoned, replace the 84% seasoning packs with 69%–72% RH maintenance packs depending on personal preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using tap water: Contains minerals and mold risks
- Over-wetting the wood: Can cause swelling and warping
- Rushing the process: A few days now saves months of frustration later
- Not using a digital hygrometer: Analog is unreliable
Ongoing Humidor Maintenance
Once seasoned, your humidor isn’t “set it and forget it.” Maintenance matters. Here’s what to do:
- Check RH weekly
- Replace Boveda or refill humidifiers as needed
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and HVAC vents
If the RH drops below 60% for more than a day or two, remove cigars, reseason, and return them once stable.
Final Thoughts
A seasoned humidor is the foundation of a proper cigar lifestyle. If you’re investing in good cigars, give them the environment they deserve. The time you take now will pay off every time you light up.
Don’t be the guy who ruins $300 worth of sticks trying to skip a $10 seasoning kit. Do it right—and your cigars will thank you.
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