If you look at the basic necessities of premium cigars it would seem like they are actually trying to develop mold. For instance, the list of common cigar accessories includes the tightly-closing box known as the humidor, the humidifier, and the hygrometer to ensure that moisture levels are at the best range possible. Consider that cigars thrive in the same conditions that their tobacco was grown - hot and humid - and that this environment is then contained inside of a wooden box. The reason that mold is not a very common problem has to do with the properties of the wood and the tobacco itself.
Let's first look at the conditions in the humidor and then address the ways that this could lead to mold. Firstly, what is the correct environment for storing cigars? Usually it is the same sort of environment in which tobacco is originally grown - hot and humid. The traditional "formula" for the interior of the box is the 70/70 approach. This is a relative humidity of 70-75% and a steady ambient temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. So, right here we have something that describes the ideal conditions for mold growth, but there are a few reasons that such a thing tends to not occur.
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.
What can be done about this? There are several proscribed methods for treating contaminated cigars, but where the interior of the box is concerned the best approach is to remove the cigars and the humidifier and wipe the entire surface with Isopropyl Alcohol. This will be quickly absorbed by the still humid cedar wood of the lining and it will quickly destroy any remaining mold spores.
Let's first look at the conditions in the humidor and then address the ways that this could lead to mold. Firstly, what is the correct environment for storing cigars? Usually it is the same sort of environment in which tobacco is originally grown - hot and humid. The traditional "formula" for the interior of the box is the 70/70 approach. This is a relative humidity of 70-75% and a steady ambient temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. So, right here we have something that describes the ideal conditions for mold growth, but there are a few reasons that such a thing tends to not occur.
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.
What can be done about this? There are several proscribed methods for treating contaminated cigars, but where the interior of the box is concerned the best approach is to remove the cigars and the humidifier and wipe the entire surface with Isopropyl Alcohol. This will be quickly absorbed by the still humid cedar wood of the lining and it will quickly destroy any remaining mold spores.
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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