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You just bought a box of cigars and are excited to enjoy them over time. But there’s a problem -they’ll dry out without proper storage and lose flavor.

A fancy humidor sounds excellent, but what about the price? Not so much. So you start thinking: Can I make a DIY humidor? The answer is yes!

In this guide, I’ll teach you how to make a homemade humidor. Don’t worry, it’s easy, affordable, and effective.

Why Should You Make a DIY Humidor？

If you enjoy cigars, then you most likely know they need the proper humidity levels to stay fresh. However, buying a humidor can be expensive, and not everyone has hundreds of dollars to spare.

The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to store your cigars. With a few simple materials, you can build a humidor that works just as well as the expensive ones.

If you’re not sure building a humidor is the right step, here are some reasons to convince you:

Save Money

A good humidor can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500. We can both agree that’s a lot to spend, regardless of how much you love cigars. However, a homemade humidor lets you keep your cigars fresh without breaking the bank. All you need is an airtight box, a simple DIY humidifier, and a hygrometer to monitor humidity.

Customize It Your Way

With a store-bought humidor, you’re stuck with whatever size and design you get. But when you build a humidor, you can make it fit your needs. Want something small for just a few cigars? No problem. Need a built-in humidor for an extensive collection? You can make that too!

It’s Easier Than You Think

You don’t need to be an expert to make a cheap humidor. A plastic box with a proper seal can do the job. Add a humidity pack, and you’ve got a working humidor in no time.

Protect Your Cigars

Cigars are an investment, and bad storage can quickly ruin them. But a DIY humidor makes sure they stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you want. Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing you built it yourself! So why wait? Let’s start building your affordable humidor today.

How to Build a DIY Humidor?

Making your DIY humidor is easier than you think. With just a few materials, you can create a humidor that keeps your cigars fresh for months.

Follow these simple steps to set up your homemade humidor:

Materials Needed

Before you start building your custom humidor, gather all the necessary materials. Most are easy to find and inexpensive.

• Container for your humidor (wooden or plastic)
• DIY humidifiers or humidity packs
• Hygrometer (digital or analog) 
• Spanish Cedar sheets or blocks (optional)

Once you have everything ready, let’s move on to how to set up your humidor step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Container

The first thing you need is a box to hold your cigars. A wooden box works great because it helps regulate moisture. You can use an old cigar box or even a small wooden chest.

If you want a cheap humidor, an airtight plastic container, like regular Tupperware, can work just as well. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s airtight so humidity stays inside. It should also be big enough for your cigars but not so big that it wastes space.

Step 2: Line the Interior (Optional but Recommended)

Spanish cedar helps maintain humidity and gives your cigars a pleasant smell. You can buy cedar sheets online or from a cigar shop. Cut the sheet to fit inside your box and glue it in place. But if you use a plastic container, buy a cedar block instead of a sheet.

Step 3: Create a DIY Humidifier

Cigars need humidity to stay fresh, and you can achieve this with a DIY humidifier. Here are two simple options:

• Sponge Method: Dampen a clean kitchen sponge with distilled water and place it in a plastic dish. Don’t soak it too much -just enough to release moisture slowly.
• Gel Beads or Humidity Packs: You can use silica gel beads or Boveda packs to control humidity. Just place them inside the humidor, and they’ll work for you.

Whatever you do, never use tap water because it can cause mold and ruin your cigars! Always use distilled water or a propylene glycol solution.

Step 4: Add a Hygrometer

A hygrometer measures humidity levels inside your humidor. This is important because cigars need to stay at 65-72% humidity to remain fresh.

You can choose between:

• Analog Hygrometers: Stylish but sometimes less accurate.
• Digital Hygrometers: Easier to read and usually more precise.

Place the hygrometer inside the humidor so you can easily check the humidity levels.

Step 5: Season Your Humidor

Before placing cigars inside, your humidor needs to reach the right humidity level. This prevents the cigars from drying out or absorbing too much moisture.

• Place your DIY humidifier and hygrometer inside the box.
• Close the lid and let the humidity rise for 24-48 hours.
• Check the hygrometer regularly. When it reads between 65-72%, your humidor is ready.

If the humidity is too low, add more moisture to your sponge or use an extra humidity pack.

Step 6: Store Your Cigars Properly

Now that you have learned how to set up a humidor, it’s time to store your cigars. Arrange them neatly inside your humidor and close the lid.

To keep your cigars in perfect condition:

• Check the humidity every few days.
• Refill the humidifier as needed.
• Rotate your cigars every couple of weeks to ensure even aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DIY humidors Worth It?

Yes, a DIY humidor is worth it if you want to save money and keep your cigars fresh. As long as you control the humidity, your cigars will stay in top condition.While store-bought humidors offer more style and precision, a well-made homemade humidor can work just as well.

How Long Do Cigars Last Without a Humidor?

Cigars can dry out within a few days to a couple of weeks if not stored properly. In dry climates, they can lose their freshness in as little as 48 hours. If cigars dry out completely, they become harsh and unpleasant to smoke. Using a DIY humidor helps maintain their quality for months.

Can I Store Cigars Without a Humidor?

If you don’t have a humidor, you can keep your cigars in a cool, dark place. For example, an airtight plastic bag or container. This isn’t perfect, but it can keep cigars fresh for a few weeks until you set up a proper homemade humidor.

What Is the Ideal Humidity for Storing Cigars?

The best humidity level for storing cigars is between 65-72%. Anything lower than this can dry them out, and anything higher can cause mold.A hygrometer is the best way to check humidity levels. If you’re using a DIY humidifier, do well to monitor it regularly to keep your cigars in good condition.

Can I Use a Tupperware Container As a Humidor?

Yes, you can use a Tupperware container as a simple humidor. If you’re doing this, make sure:

• It has an airtight seal
• You add a humidity pack
• You use a hygrometer to check the moisture level.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve successfully built a humidor that keeps your cigars fresh without spending a fortune. Not only did you save money, but you also created a storage solution that works just as well as an expensive custom humidor.

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfectly stored cigar -because you earned it!