What is Glycol and why use it?

 

Propylene glycol is a colorless and innocuous liquid which has two favorable characteristics for its use in humidors. First, firstly it prevents the formation of mold and bacteria and secondly, this solution forms a thin layer on the surface of the humidifier that allows absorbing the humidity level of over 70% and emits humidity below 70%. In this way, the humidifier is self-adjusting and will automatically stabilize the humidity level of your humidor at an optimum level of approximately 70%.

 

It is necessary to wait a few days so as the propylene glycol forms a surface layer and an optimal humidity level is achieved.
Propylene glycol is also known as 1,2 Propanediol. However, it should not be confused with ethylene glycol (it is also called glycol).
Ethylene glycol is used in car antifreeze and is poisonous! Make sure you are using Propylene glycol!!!!! Propylene glycol is use in hand lotion and soaps etc and is safe for human consumption.

 

The 50/50 solutions sold by most cigar stores contains 50% propylene glycol that meets all the drugs and food safety standards and 50% distilled water to protect the humidifier against calcification and mold.

 

Normal water contains minerals that can clog the pores of the humidifier sponge. Also, common water contains chlorine and bacteria that can produce a negative impact on the humidor aroma and can cause mold formation.
How often the humidifier needs to be refilled depends on several factors: Frequency of opening the humidor, number of stored cigars, size of the humidifier, external humidity, outside temperature, etc.

 

The Gel Polymer-based humidifiers should be refilled with distilled water about once a month however with sponge-based humidifiers the process of refilling is a little more complicated.

 

For the first filling the humidifier should be filled up with the special propylene glycol and distilled water solution only. The distilled water evaporates substantially faster than the propylene glycol content. Therefore, the humidor should be refilled approximately once a month exclusively with distilled water.

 

The special propylene glycol and distilled water solution should be applied only when the humidity level in the humidor suddenly drops. Depending on the outside temperature this might be the case after approximately 3-6 months. Under no circumstances should the solution be refilled more frequently nor should a solution of propylene glycol exclusively ever be used since the humidification system will not be able to absorb liquid and the humidifier may hence become unusable.

 

You should regularly (once every week or two) check your humidity level and apply the correct ratio of humidification solution and distilled water. After the application of the humidification solution, your humidor may take a day or two to regulate itself, this is normal. After a day or two the humidity will settle at approx 70%.

 

Why not use normal tap water instead? Tap water contains minerals, chlorine and bacteria which can clog the pores of the humidifier and is prone to scaling and furring. Distilled water protects against scaling and clogging of your humidifier as well as preventing mold and bacteria from developing in your humidor and on your cigars!