Your humidor regulates humidity levels, ensuring cigars remain fresh and maintain their intended flavors. Proper humidity control allows cigars to age well and enhances their overall smoking experience.
Cigars require precise humidity levels for preservation due to their organic materials. Too little humidity causes cigars to dry out, making them brittle and altering their taste, while excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and other structural issues. Maintaining proper humidity ensures cigars burn evenly and retain their complex flavors—but not all humidification sources are made the same.
In this article, we’ll explore the effectiveness of bottled water as a humidity source in your humidor while learning a number of things about controlling humidity in your humidor.
Humidification Methods in Humidors
Traditional Humidification Options
Humidors can use several different types of humidifiers. Distilled water is a popular choice due to its purity, preventing mineral buildup in humidification devices. Humidification packs, such as Boveda, offer an easy, low-maintenance solution by maintaining a pre-set humidity level. Beads and crystals work by absorbing and releasing moisture as needed, ensuring a stable environment. Sponges, though sometimes used, require frequent monitoring and are less reliable than other methods.
Klaro humidors, in particular, use a specific solution that is made to better control humidity in your humidor. We always recommend either the Regular humidor solution or the Winter + Dry Climate solution.
But many cigar smokers wonder if they really need a special solution or type of water to fill their humidifier.
Bottled Water vs. Distilled Water: Key Differences
What is Bottled Water?
Bottled water comes in different varieties, including spring water, purified water, and mineral water. Although these types undergo filtration, they still contain trace minerals and impurities that can accumulate in humidors, affecting humidity regulation and potentially altering the flavor of cigars.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water undergoes a process of vaporization and condensation, removing all minerals, bacteria, and contaminants. Because it is completely pure, it is the best option for humidors, preventing residue buildup and ensuring consistent humidification.
Chemical Composition of Bottled vs. Distilled Water
Bottled water contains varying levels of calcium, magnesium, and sodium, which can cause deposits to form in humidification devices over time. Distilled water, being free of these minerals, eliminates the risk of buildup and keeps the humidor clean and efficient.
Why Distilled Water is the Preferred Choice for Humidors
Using distilled water helps avoid issues such as mineral resid
Can You Use Bottled Water in a Humidor?
Some cigar owners assume that bottled water is safe for humidors because it is filtered. Others use it out of convenience when distilled water is unavailable. However, bottled water contains minerals that can lead to long-term maintenance issues.
Using bottled water in a humidor can lead to mineral buildup, reducing the efficiency of humidification devices. It can also create an environment where mold and bacteria thrive, potentially ruining cigars. Additionally, the impurities in bottled water may introduce unwanted odors that affect the cigars’ aroma and flavor.
While using bottled water once or twice may not cause immediate damage, repeated use leads to clogged humidification elements and increased mold risk. Over time, this can impact both the cigars and the humidor itself.
In an emergency, purified bottled water without added minerals may be used temporarily. However, switching back to distilled water as soon as possible is recommended to prevent long-term issues. Flushing out the humidification system afterward can help remove any residual minerals.
Maintaining Humidity in a Humidor: Best Practices
Seasoning a humidor is essential for stabilizing humidity levels before adding cigars. The process involves wiping the interior lightly with distilled water and allowing the wood to absorb moisture from a supplemental humidifier over 24-48 hours. This step bolsters the wood with additional moisture to prevent it from drawing moisture away from the cigars, ensuring a balanced environment.
Occasionally, your humidifier will need to be refilled. Refill frequency depends on factors such as humidor size and climate conditions. In drier environments, humidification devices may need refilling every 1-2 weeks, whereas in more humid regions, every 3-4 weeks may be sufficient. Monitoring with a hygrometer helps determine when refills are needed.
If cigars start to crack, burn too quickly, or feel dry, the humidity is too low. If they feel overly soft or develop mold, the humidity is too high. Regular monitoring helps maintain ideal conditions.
A reliable hygrometer is essential for tracking humidity levels inside a humidor. Digital hygrometers provide more accurate readings, while analog models require occasional calibration. Smart monitoring devices with Bluetooth connectivity offer added convenience for remote tracking.
Best Water Alternatives for Humidor Humidity
We highly recommend you still use a humidor solution designed to help humidify your humidor. You may not always have humidor solution available—another reason to get a Afiliación a Klaro—so below are a few alternative solutions.
Distilled Water: The Gold Standard
Distilled water remains a great choice for humidors due to its purity. It prevents mineral buildup and contamination, ensuring cigars remain in pristine condition.
Propylene Glycol Solutions
Propylene glycol solutions help regulate humidity while preventing mold and bacteria growth. These solutions maintain a consistent 70% humidity level and
When to Use Pre-Mixed Humidification Solutions
Pre-mixed humidification solutions provide balanced moisture control, making them a convenient option for maintaining a stable environment without regular adjustments.
Humidor Maintenance and Care
Here are a few tips to care for your humidor.
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth inside a humidor. When you clean your humidor, first remove all cigars and humidification devices and use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to wipe down the interior surfaces.
Never use soap, alcohol, or chemical cleaners, as they can leave residues that affect the cigars’ flavor. Ensure the humidor is completely dry before placing cigars back inside. Periodically, clean the humidification device by rinsing it with distilled water to remove any accumulated residue or impurities.
Regularly monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can encourage mold growth. Avoid placing your humidor in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as fluctuations in temperature can impact humidity stability.
Proper humidity control is crucial for preserving cigars. Distilled water ensures a clean and efficient humidification system, while humidification packs and beads offer alternative solutions for hassle-free maintenance.
Bottled water, while convenient, introduces risks such as mineral buildup and mold. To maintain optimal storage conditions, always use distilled water or professionally formulated humidification solutions.
To learn more about how to maintain your humidor and protect your cigars, check out the following resources:
- What Are Humidors
- How Does A Gasket for Cigar Humidor Help Its Seal?
- Is Your Humidor Not Holding Humidity?
- How Long Do Cigars Last?
