There is a very frustrating situation that can occur inside almost any cigar humidor and if it is left unattended it can lead to a total loss. It is the development of mold on the cigars or interior of the box itself. While many people believe that the conditions inside of humidors are ripe for the development of mold, it is significant to note that this is an inaccurate belief. Yes, they are kept both warm and humid on a year round basis, but they are also extremely acidic locations with a surrounding that is highly inhospitable to bacteria and mold. So, how does it to grow inside of them?
The main reason that mold will appear on the inside of a humidor is the existence of too much humidity. Just having a level above 75% is not instantly going to create a widespread problem, and the real trouble tends to come from the moisture being kept to a smaller area within the entire container. For example, a tray full of cigars might be blocking the top of the humidifier which causes the moisture to soak into the tray, and then the cigars. This leads to a remarkably high level of humidity and the quick development of mold.
The first common problem is the water inside of the box. More often than not this water is managed by a humidifier. The humidifier can be attached to any area of the interior of the box, but it can also often become blocked by too many cigars or by a tray without any slats for aeration. This leads to an over accumulation of water in a single area, which could mean that cigars are soaking wet or that the wood of the trays is saturated. This will then lead to mold, especially if the box is not opened on a regular basis.
Interestingly enough, both approaches could allow bacteria to be introduced into the warm and humid environment beloved of most mold spores. A fingerprint on the plastic sleeve, or the oils from a dirty finger on the cigar itself could all become a rampant growth of mold throughout the entire box.
There are many common and workable cures for such a problem, but one of the best is to simply remove all trays, cigars and humidifiers from the box and treat it with Isopropyl Alcohol while the wood still retains its humidity. All of the trays should be treated in the same manner and the box should then be left to dry out completely before being rehydrated and used again.
The main reason that mold will appear on the inside of a humidor is the existence of too much humidity. Just having a level above 75% is not instantly going to create a widespread problem, and the real trouble tends to come from the moisture being kept to a smaller area within the entire container. For example, a tray full of cigars might be blocking the top of the humidifier which causes the moisture to soak into the tray, and then the cigars. This leads to a remarkably high level of humidity and the quick development of mold.
The first common problem is the water inside of the box. More often than not this water is managed by a humidifier. The humidifier can be attached to any area of the interior of the box, but it can also often become blocked by too many cigars or by a tray without any slats for aeration. This leads to an over accumulation of water in a single area, which could mean that cigars are soaking wet or that the wood of the trays is saturated. This will then lead to mold, especially if the box is not opened on a regular basis.
Interestingly enough, both approaches could allow bacteria to be introduced into the warm and humid environment beloved of most mold spores. A fingerprint on the plastic sleeve, or the oils from a dirty finger on the cigar itself could all become a rampant growth of mold throughout the entire box.
There are many common and workable cures for such a problem, but one of the best is to simply remove all trays, cigars and humidifiers from the box and treat it with Isopropyl Alcohol while the wood still retains its humidity. All of the trays should be treated in the same manner and the box should then be left to dry out completely before being rehydrated and used again.
About the Author:
Ryder is a consultant for an online specialty butane lighter store and has expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including where to buy zippo lighters.
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