Why 70% Relative Humidity?
Cigar tobacco is grown and rolled in tropical and equatorial regions
where the ambient Relative Humidity ranges between 70 and 80%. Once
cigars or tobacco leave this environment, they absorb moisture in wet
conditions and release moisture in dry conditions. A dry cigar will
burn quickly and at a higher temperature causing the smoke to retain
a hot, bitter taste. Dry conditions may also cause the wrapping to crack,
flake or crumble. An overly moist cigar will not light easily or burn
in an even fashion. It can be difficult to draw causing the smoke to
be overly heavy with the taste of tar. Prolonged exposure to relative
humidity above 85% can lead to molding or rot. A properly humidified
cigar burns slow, cool and even while drawing with ease. Under ideal
moisture conditions the bouquet is dramatically enhanced.
Temperature Matters
Relative Humidity (RH) is not the only factor that needs to be controlled
when storing fine cigars. Extreme temperature can damage cigars as quickly
as extreme wet or dry conditions. It is best to try and maintain a temperature
of about 70° Fahrenheit (21° Centigrade). If you store your cigars in
a well made humidor than keeping
it out of direct sunlight or away from HVAC vents is usually all that
is required. If you are storing your cigars in an non-insulated container
such as Tupperware or zip-lock bags than your basement or closets are
usually ideal locations. Although a refrigerator may sound like the
good place to store your cigars, most are frost-free and will remove
all of the humidity from the air and your cigars. NEVER keep your cigars
in the freezer, the moisture in the cigar will expand as it freezes
destroying the tobacco. Following these simple directions should allow
you to keep and enjoy your cigars for an indefinite period of time.
Choosing the right Humistat
Selecting the proper humistat (humidifier) is as important as selecting
the proper humidor. When choosing
a humistat make sure it is large enough to humidify the maximum number
of cigars your humidor can hold regardless of whether you plan to keep
the humidor full. Humidification is a function of volume. The greater
volume or number of cigars you need to humidify the larger your humistat
needs to be. The Humistats function is to hold moisture and aid in creating
a moisture equilibrium in your humidor. Surprisingly enough your cigars
are actually the largest humidifier in your humidor since they take
up the most volume. However a premium humistat will aid in maintaining
a constant environment for your cigars. Mr. Moisture® names it¹s
humistats based upon the ideal number of cigars we feel the units will
humidify. For example our Model 40 will comfortably humidify 40 cigars
regardless of where you live. The difference between our Model 60 and
60-T is only the shape. Our Model 60 is rectangular while our Model
60-T is triangular in shape. Mr. Moisture® makes 28 different humistats,
one to fit almost every need.
Activating your Humistat
Mr. Moisture® is shipped from the factory in an uncharged state
and will require the addition of Mr.
Moisture Wetting Solution™ or distilled water to activate.
For best results use with Mr. Moisture Wetting Solution™. To activate
your Mr. Moisture® Humistat drip Mr. Moisture Wetting Solution™
or distilled water into the vents of the unit until its liner is completely
moist but not soaked. If you overfill Mr. Moisture® simply place
it in a soft towel and shake firmly. Remember moist is better than soaked.
Note: Never use tap water. Over time tap water will clog the unit
reducing it's efficiency.
Maintaining your Humistat
Maintaining Mr. Moisture® is as easy as dripping Mr.
Moisture Wetting Solution™ or distilled water into the vents
about once a month or when the element begins to dry. The frequency
of maintenance will vary considerably depending on your specific atmospheric
conditions, the size and seal of your humidor
and the quantity and freshness of your cigars. If you are experiencing
difficulty reaching 70% Relative Humidity in your humidor it may be
that the wood liner in your humidor is too dry. Try rubbing the inside
of your humidor with distilled water to elevate the moisture content
of the wood. To measure the Relative Humidity HumidTech™ strongly
recommends a digital or analog Hygrometer
or Hygrometer / Thermometer.
Maximizing the life of your Humistat
To maximize Mr. Moisture's™ effciency flush the unit every 6 months
with distilled water and recharge it with Mr.
Moisture Wetting Solution™.
1. Thoroughly saturate Mr. Moisture® wih distilled water by letting
the distilled water flow through the vents until the liner is completely
soaked. Wrap in a towel and shake out the
excess water.
2. Next month continue using Mr. Moisture Wetting Solution™.
Selecting a Hygrometer
hygrometer
is a gage that senses the Relative Humidity (RH) in the air. Hygrometers
are available in both analog and digital formats. Since the RH changes
with the change in temperature no hygrometer will be exact. Expect most
hygrometers, including digital hygrometers on the market today to be
accurate to within about 5%. When choosing an analog hygrometer make
sure it is designed to be calibrated by the user. If there is an adjustment
screw in the back center of the hygrometer than you can calibrate the
gage. See calibrating instructions below.
Calibrating Your Analog Hygrometer
1. Wrap your hygrometer in a warm
wet (not dripping) cloth for about 15 minutes.
2. If your hygrometer reads 96% RH (Relative Humidity) it needs no adjustments.
3. If your hygrometer is over or under 96% RH your hygrometer needs
adjusting.
4. With a small screwdriver CAREFULLY adjust your hygrometer to 96%
RH through the hole in the center of the back. Because the humidity
will begin to drop as soon as you remove your hygrometer from the cloth
it is recommended that you place the unit back in the warm wet cloth
for an additional 30 minutes to verify your adjustments.
5. It is recommended that you calibrate your hygrometer once a year.
Mr. Moisture®, Mr. Moisture Wetting Solution™
and
PowerLock™ are Trademarks of HumidTech™.
Relax... Mr. Moisture is caring for your cigars
http://www.mrmoisture.com/
info@mrmoisture.com