A humidor not holding humidity is like a car that won’t start – frustrating, inconvenient, and not doing the one job it’s supposed to do. When your cigars are at stake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and figure out what’s going wrong. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Below, we’ll dive into the most common reasons humidors lose humidity and what you can do to fix the issue.
You Didn’t Season It Before Use
Seasoning your humidor isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable rite of passage. A humidor fresh out of the box is as thirsty as a desert. The unseasoned wood inside will quickly absorb all the moisture from the air—and your cigars—leaving them dry and brittle.
If your humidor was never seasoned, or if it’s been a while since it was, this could be your issue. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Check out our humidor seasoning guide for step-by-step instructions. Season it properly once, and you’ll be well on your way to restoring balance.
Poor Quality Seal
If your humidor isn’t sealing properly, you might as well be storing your cigars in a cardboard box. The seal is what keeps the humidity inside, and even the smallest gap can let moisture escape faster than you can refill it.
A common culprit is the lid. If it doesn’t close snugly, or if it wiggles when you press down, the seal isn’t doing its job. Hinges can also be a problem—loose or poorly aligned hinges can prevent a proper seal. And let’s not forget the edges; warped wood or a worn-out gasket can turn your humidor into a glorified storage box.
Fixing this depends on the severity of the issue. For gasket-style seals, replacing the gasket can often solve the problem. If the humidor itself is defective, check the warranty. Many manufacturers offer replacements or repairs if your model has a faulty seal, so it’s worth reaching out to the retailer or manufacturer. Don’t settle for a bad seal; your cigars deserve better.
Inaccurate Hygrometer Reading
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the humidor—it’s the hygrometer. If your hygrometer is giving you bad readings, you’re making adjustments based on bad information. It’s like trying to cook a steak with a broken meat thermometer. You think you’re doing everything right, but in reality, you’re way off.
Hygrometers, especially analog ones, can lose accuracy over time. This can lead you to believe your humidor is either too dry or too humid when the real problem is the device itself. If it’s been a while since you last calibrated your hygrometer—or if you’ve never done it—this is an easy fix. Calibration ensures the readings are accurate, and once you’ve got reliable data, you can properly assess your humidor’s condition. For a step-by-step guide, check out our article on calibrating a hygrometer.
Condition of the Humidifier
Your humidifier is the engine of your humidor. If it’s not working correctly, your humidity levels are going to tank no matter how good the seal or the hygrometer is. Over time, humidifiers need maintenance, and neglecting them is a recipe for disaster.
Traditional sponge or foam-based humidifiers need regular refills with either distilled water or a propylene glycol solution. If you can’t remember the last time you refilled it, chances are, it’s running on fumes. For those using Boveda packs, check if they’ve dried out. When they feel stiff or crunchy, it’s time to replace them. Electric humidors bring another layer of complexity—if the electric humidifier is not running properly or the airflow is blocked, your cigars won’t get the environment they need.
A quick inspection of your humidifier will usually reveal the problem. If the foam looks worn, replace it. If the Boveda packs are dried out, swap them for new ones. And if your electric unit is acting up, consult the manual or reach out to the manufacturer for troubleshooting advice.
Humidor Placement
Where you place your humidor might seem like a minor detail, but it can have a major impact on its performance. External conditions such as heat, sunlight, and drafts can interfere with humidity levels and make it impossible to maintain a stable environment.
Keeping your humidor near a heating unit is a bad idea. Radiators and space heaters dry out the surrounding air, and your humidor will struggle to compensate. Sunlight is another enemy. Even a little direct sunlight can heat the humidor, causing humidity to fluctuate. Drafty areas, like spots near windows or vents, are equally problematic. And if you’ve got your humidor sitting in a hot room, you’re just asking for trouble.
The ideal spot for a humidor is a cool, dark place with minimal temperature changes. Closets or interior shelves are good options, but you can also make room for your desktop humidor as long as you have a shady spot in your workplace. If you’re serious about cigars, you might even consider a dedicated cigar room—just make sure it’s climate-controlled.
Final Thoughts
A humidor that isn’t holding humidity can be frustrating, but the good news is that the issue is usually fixable. By addressing key factors such as proper seasoning, ensuring a tight seal, verifying the accuracy of your hygrometer, maintaining your humidifier, and placing the humidor in an optimal location, you can restore the environment your cigars need to stay fresh.
Each of these steps plays a critical role in maintaining the right conditions, so taking the time to troubleshoot thoroughly will pay off. With a little attention and care, your humidor will be back to protecting your cigars as it should.
