Before you start using your Ammodor, you must condition or “season” it. Choose one of the three methods below in order or simplicity.
1. BOVEDA HUMIDOR SEASONING PACK METHOD:
Nothing could be easier then this method. Do NOT put any cigars in your humidor until you have completed the seasoning process.
Simply place 84% Boveda seasoning pack (available from Ammodors at the time of purchase or after) in your Ammodor or other humidor (without cigars) and wait 14 days. Use one for every 25 count capacity (capacity – NOT how many cigars you have or will put inside). So a 100 count humidor would require 4 Seasoning Packs.
This will season the wood inside your Ammodor. The Boveda pack essentially takes the place of the small dish of water used the traditional humidor seasoning (as described in #3 below). No need to include your hygrometer. Seasoning is about adding the necessary moisture to the wood. So the humidity of the air inside during this time is irreverent.
Next, replace the seasoning Boveda seasoning pack with you Ammodor humidifier (or regular Boveda pack of your choice in 62%-75% RH – we recommend 69% RH packs for Ammodors) and add your hygrometer. Wait a day or two and check the humidity using your hygrometer. Once it is a steady ~ 70% you can add your cigars to the humidor.
Don’t forget to check your Ammodor every week and refill your humidifier/replace your Boveda pack as needed. Learn more about maintaining your Ammodor.
2. WIPE DOWN METHOD:
Use caution with this method – if done improperly it can cause the wood in your humidor to swell too quickly and crack or break the seams/joints. Proceed at your own risk – we recommend the traditional method below when possible for the best results and less risk. Do NOT put any cigars in your humidor until you have completed the seasoning process.
- Wipe down the inside of your new, empty Ammodor with distilled water and a clean rag.
- Don’t over soak the wood or it will splits or bow – just wet it so it’s a bit damp.
- Close the lid and let it rest. Repeat after a few hours for 2-3 times total.
- Add your charged (aka: filled) humidification unit and your hygrometer to your Ammodor and close the lid.
- After a day your Ammodor should register 65-75% Rh.
- Toss in your favorite smokes and enjoy!
- Don’t forget to check your Ammodor every week and refill your humidifier as needed. Learn more about maintaining your Ammodor.
3. TRADITIONAL SEASONING METHOD:
This more commonly used and most effective process can take several days to several weeks so please be patient and monitor your humidor closely. Do NOT put any cigars in humidor until you have completed the seasoning process.
- Fill a small shallow dish with distilled water and place it in the bottom of your empty humidor while at room temperature.
- Place you hygrometer in your humidor as well.
- Close the lid and let it sit for several days. Open and check the humidity reading on you hygrometer.
- Repeat until the hygrometer reads 70-75% humidity.
- Add your charged (aka: filled) humidification unit and your hygrometer to your Ammodor and close the lid.
- After a day your Ammodor should register 70-75% Rh. Add/remove fluid from your humidifier to adjust.
- Once you have a steady 70-75% reading your humidor is seasoned. Toss in your favorite smokes and enjoy!
- Don’t forget to check your Ammodor every week and refill your humidifier as needed. Learn more about maintaining your Ammodor.
Posted in: General Cigar Info