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Those who enjoy cigars know that keeping their flavor, scent, and general quality depends on maintaining the best surroundings for the storage of cigars. This preservation depends much on a humidor, a specialist box, or a chamber meant to keep cigars at a certain humidity level. The type of water used in the humidification system significantly impacts the effectiveness of humidor maintenance.

Although it is commonly advised to use distilled water for humidor, why is this the case? The reasons behind this advice will be discussed in this article with a comparison of distilled and purified water, a discussion of possible problems, including mold development, and direction on humidor seasoning.

So, don’t forget to read the last part!

Why Use Distilled Water in a Humidor?

Distilled water for humidor is water that has been cleaned of minerals, pollutants, and other contaminants using distillation. Humidor glycol is perfect for usage in humidors for various reasons, including this cleansing:

• Prevention of Mineral Buildup: Calcium and magnesium abound in tap water. These minerals can gather over time in a humidor, causing scale on humidification equipment. This accumulation can block the system, therefore lowering its efficiency and maybe influencing the humidity levels in the humidor. Distilled water helps avoid this problem.
• Reduction of Mold and Bacteria Growth: Microorganisms in tap water could support the spread of mold and germs. Including such bacteria in a humidor might contaminate the cigars, therefore compromising their taste and quality. Being free from harmful microbes, humidification solution reduces this risk.
• Consistency in Humidity Levels: The cleanliness of distilled water guarantees that the environment of the humidor is free of extra minerals or contaminants. Maintaining steady and ideal humidity levels is crucial for the correct aging and preservation of cigars. Hence, this consistency helps to achieve it.

Purified Water vs Distilled Water for Humidifier

Although both distilled and filtered water are processed to eliminate contaminants, their usefulness for humidors may differ:

• Purification Methods: Deionisation, reverse osmosis, or distillation are among the several ways purified water is made. Not all purifying techniques, meanwhile, eliminate minerals and germs to the degree that distillation does. Thus, the technique utilized will affect the quality of filtered water.
• Mineral Content: Trace minerals can still exist in some filtered waters. Although these values are usually low, in the controlled environment of a humidor even minute mineral concentrations can cause scale development and other problems.
• Microbial Presence: Residual bacteria may exist in some cleaned waterways, depending on the purification method. Generally free from such pollutants, distilled water for humidor is vaporized and condensed, making it a safer option for humidors.

Thus, it is safe to say that from distilled vs purified water for humidifier, distilled water is the clear winner.

What Can I Use Instead of Distilled Water in My Humidor?

When distilled water for humidor is not accessible, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used, but the question arises: what type of water to use for humidifier?

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water: Filtering water using a semi-permeable membrane removes many contaminants, therefore generating RO water. Still, it might include certain minerals and bacteria. A temporary substitute is using RO water in a humidor, but it’s important to keep an eye on the humidification system for any indications of microbial development or buildup.
• Bottled Purified Water: Certain bottled waters go through thorough purifying procedures. Should one choose this alternative, it is advisable to confirm that the water is devoid of minerals and bacteria. Always seek information on mineral content and purification techniques on the label.
• Specialized Humidification Solutions: Many cigar stores carry specialist humidification products meant especially for humidors. Many times, these remedies include propylene glycol, which keeps the humidity constant and stops mold from growing.

Can I Get Mold in My Humidor from Distilled Water?

Although distilled water for humidor reduces the likelihood of mold and bacterial introduction, several variables can cause mold to grow in a humidor: 

• High Humidity Levels: Keeping humidity levels higher than 75% can help to establish conditions fit for mold development. To stop mold, one must keep an eye on and regulate the humidity inside the ideal range of 68–72%.
• Infrequent Cleaning: Regular cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of organic material and moisture, promoting mold development. Frequent humidor and component cleanings assist in avoiding this problem.
• Contaminated Cigars: Including already mold-contaminated cigars can cause them to proliferate in the humidor. Before stowing cigars, always check them.
• Improper Ventilation: Although humidors are made to keep humidity, good air circulation is crucial to stop too much moisture accumulation. If a humidor is firmly closed for long, still air can promote mold growth.

Does distilled water mold? Yes, if not given proper attention, mold will find a home in your humidifier, no matter the water being used.

How Long Does It Take to Season a Humidor with Distilled Water?

A new humidor must be seasoned if the wood is to be ready for appropriate humidity management. Using a humidification solution guarantees that none of the minerals or pollutants affect the seasoning throughout this process:

1. Wipe the Interior: Wipe the humidor’s inside surfaces gently with a delicate cloth moistened with distilled water. This action brings moisture to the wood.
2. Place a Water Source Inside: Inside the humidor, fill a little jug with purified water. Close the humidor then let it rest for one to three days. This lets the wood progressively absorb moisture, attaining the ideal humidity level.
3. Monitor Humidity Levels: Track inside humidity with a hygrometer. The humidor is correctly seasoned and ready for usage after it steadies between 68 and 72%.
4. Avoid Over-saturation: Although adding moisture to the wood is crucial, do not overdo the interior. Extreme moisture can cause uneven humidity levels, mold growth, or wood warping.

The Importance of Proper Humidity Levels for Cigar Preservation

Maintaining the correct humidity level in your humidor is not just a recommendation—it’s necessary for any cigar enthusiast. Cigars are delicate products that require a specific environment to age gracefully and retain their intended flavor profile. The ideal humidity range for cigars is between 68% and 72%, and here’s why this range is so critical:

1. Preserving Flavor and Aroma

Cigars are made from tobacco leaves, which are naturally hygroscopic, meaning they absorb and release moisture based on their environment. If the humidity is too low (below 65%), the cigars can dry out, causing the oils within the tobacco to evaporate. This results in a loss of flavor and aroma, leaving the cigar bland and harsh. On the other hand, excessive humidity (above 75%) can cause the cigars to swell, making them difficult to smoke and potentially producing a bitter taste.

2. Preventing Structural Damage

Improper humidity levels can also affect the physical integrity of your cigars. Low humidity can cause the wrapper to crack or unravel, while high humidity can lead to swelling and splitting. Both scenarios can ruin the smoking experience and make the cigar unsmokable. Proper humidity ensures that the cigars remain intact and burn evenly.

3. Aging Potential

For those who enjoy aging cigars, maintaining the right humidity is even more critical. Aging allows the flavors to mellow and develop complexity over time. However, this process requires a stable environment. Fluctuating humidity levels can disrupt the aging process, leading to uneven results or even spoilage.

4. Mold and Beetle Prevention

As mentioned earlier, high humidity levels can encourage mold growth, which can ruin your cigars and humidor. Additionally, tobacco beetles—tiny pests that thrive in humid environments—can hatch and infest your cigars if the humidity is too high. Keeping humidity within the recommended range helps prevent these issues.

5. Consistency is Key

Using distilled water for humidor maintenance ensures that the humidity levels remain consistent. Tap water or other alternatives can introduce variables that disrupt this balance, making it harder to maintain the ideal environment. A well-regulated humidor with distilled water ensures your cigars are always in peak condition.

By understanding the importance of proper humidity levels and using distilled water for humidor maintenance, you can ensure that your cigars remain in perfect condition, ready to deliver a premium smoking experience every time.

The Bottom Line

Using distilled water for humidor will help you to ensure the lifetime and quality of your cigar. It reduces the risk of mold and bacteria, keeps stable humidity levels, and helps prevent mineral build-up. Though bottled, filtered water, or reverse osmosis can be used sparingly, they might not offer the same degree of assurance as distilled water. 

Maintaining the taste and fragrance of your cigar depends on constant monitoring and maintenance of your humidor, including the use of humidor glycol and suitable cleaning.

In the end, the right tools—like distilled water—may make all the difference between a good and a horrible smoking experience. Want to keep your cigars fresh and full of flavor? Get the best humidors and accessories at Mozsly today!