So I'm pretty new to cigars and came here on the advice of a co-worker. My friend let me borrow a humidor and I'm having some trouble getting it to the right humidity. From all the research I've done online I feel like I have seasoned it properly; / and I have done so 3 times already. However, I cannot get the hygrometer to read above 50. Any advice for a newbie like me? Thanks!

Prayers sent

Get some Heartfelt beads or Boveda packs. Making the switch was the best move ever. It is possible that the hygrometer is faulty or it isn't sealed well enough and the moisture is getting out.

Welcome to the boards, enjoy peanut parade.

Ill try to jump in here before the fireworks fly... First step is to introduce yourself to the forum. There are a lot of good people here, but a lot of ball busting as well.

Second step, make sure the humidor is decent quality, if it is a cheap humidor you will never get a stable rh because the seal does not keep the humidity in. If you put a piece of paper half in and half out of the humidor and close the lid, you should not be able to pull the paper out.

Third step, trash the humidor and get a tupperdor or coolidor, both can be found the google searches.

hope this helps, please put on your flame suit now...

your hygrometer is probably incorrect... put hyrgrometer and a 2-liter bottle cap full of damp table salt in a sealed ziplock bag... after 24 hours it should read 75.5(?) I believe...

why does your coworker hate you?

did you take his parking spot?




what kind of humi? how many cigars does it hold? does it have glass? did you pull a dollar bill through the door 'gap' with good resistance? if no glass, did you put a flashlight inside in a dark room? what kind of hygrometer? analog? if so, throw it away now....or at least ignore it forever digital? calibrated? if no, do as opel suggests...after seasoning, what sort of humidification are you using?

Man, you are a cruel bunch. You're never going to solve his problems with these questions. Why lead him on?

What we really need to know is:
Pancakes or Waffles?
Spent any time in a Turkish prison?
Have you sent Steve S a cigar?
Do you like camping?
Long walks on the beach?
Bullet cut or straight cut?
What kind of cigars are these? If good ones, I'll store some for you. . .


Welcome to the madness man. Some good folks here who have lots of fun.

I'll throw in my two bits worth also.

Accurate RH calibration is largely dependent on temperature. Testing should be done as close to 70°F as possible.

Keep your humidor in a location away from direct sunlight and AC or heating ducts. As temperature rises and falls RH will also change, this is normal.

In no case should you allow your cigars to get above 80°. Temps between 65° and 75° will keep your cigars happy.

The "dollar bill" seal test actually works better with hundreds instead of singles so you should keep a generous supply on hand 😯

Check the hygrometer out would be the first thing I would do to make sure it is reading correctly

Pretty sure I dated her...

Was her name Ella, Eye ? Warteye - put some lettuce in the humidor - romaine is good for maduros.