Why does seasoning a humidor with Boveda take 14 days?
Seasoning a wood humidor requires time and precise moisture absorption to create a safe, stable environment for cigars without damaging the wood. Using Boveda 84% RH packs allows the cellular structure of the wood to gradually absorb moisture over 14 days, releasing most of the water vapor during the first week and properly conditioning the humidor without risking warping or uneven humidification.
Controlled, careful seasoning of a wood humidor takes time. If you season a humidor faster using a higher RH, you’ll risk damaging the wood. Use a lower RH and seasoning will take even longer—up to eight weeks.
Over the years, Boveda scientists have tested many methods to find the safest, most effective way to season a wood humidor. We’ve tried everything from 95% RH all the way down to 32% RH. After trying them all, we determined that 84% RH is just right.
Most of the water vapor is released within the first week. The rest of the time, the cell structure of the wood slowly absorbs the moisture it needs, based on your specific humidor.
CAN I SEASON A HUMIDOR WITH WATER?
No, if you want to season your humidor for ongoing success. Online, you might see people using distilled water to season their wood humidors. Do not use this wipe-down method. Using a wet cloth or sponge doesn’t fully humidify the wood.
At the most, you’ll provide two (2) to three (3) grams of moisture to the veneer of your humidor. (Think of it like staining a piece of wood with water.) You’re also introducing 100% moisture to the surface, which can warp the wood.
Boveda scientists found to fully season a 100-count wood humidor, it needs about 100 grams of moisture. Each Size 60 Boveda 84% RH can release about 35 grams. (So for a 100-count wood humidor, use four (4) Size 60 seasoning packs.)