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Heartfelt Humidity Beads (REVIEW)

Heartfelt offers a variety of different humidity beads.  Beads can be purchased in bulk or in a humidification device.  Beads are available based upon the humidity level you desire (i.e. 60%, 65%, or 70%).  The humidity beads are designed to maintain a specific humidity level in your humidor.  

We recently purchased 2 of the Extra Large 70% Heartfelt Humidity Tubes.  Each tube was rated for 1,080 cubic inches.  After receiving the tubes, we added distilled water to each tube.  We tried a variety of ways to add the distilled water to the humidity beads.  The best method consisted of slowing pouring water over the tubes while gently rotating.  We placed a small bowl under the tubes to catch the run off water.  The excess water was then recycled and poured again over the tubes.  Since the holes in the plastic tubing are quite small, this process was repeated approximately 15 – 20 times until it was visually evident that the beads were retaining water.  Once filled with distilled water, the humidity tubes were both placed in a humidor that was approximately 1,800 cubic inches.  After 24 hours had past, the humidity was checked and the reading was exactly 70%!  We then checked the humidity again 7 days later and it read 70%.  The humidity tubes had successfully maintained our desired humidity!

In summary, if you are looking for a simple low cost humidification solution which requires very little maintenance and is guaranteed to properly maintain your desired humidity level, then consider the humidity beads offered by Heartfelt.  Just remember to purchase the correct size based upon your humidor’s dimensions.  Remember, more is better in this situation…the additional humidity beads will allow for quicker humidity stabilization after opening and closing your humidor.  Give the Heartfelt humidity beads a try and you won’t be disappointed.  Visit http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/.

How to season your humidor FAST…

If you don’t have the time to wait three or four days to season your humidor, there is an alternative.  We recommend removing the humidifier from the humidor when performing this accelerated seasoning.  

To get started, take a small glass or shot glass and fill it half full of distilled water.  Place the glass in the microwave for a minute to minute and half.  Remove the glass from the microwave and place it in the humidor and let it sit overnight.  Condensation and steam will immediately fill the humidor and the spanish cedar will begin to absorb the moisture.  By the next day all condensation should be gone.  The shot glass can then be removed and the humidifier placed back into the humidor.  Your humidor is now ready for cigars.

Seasoning you humidor...

Purchasing a humidor often takes time.  You just carefully finished inspecting and reviewing numerous humidors until you found the perfect one.  You are most likely filled with excitement and can’t wait to place your cigars into your new purchase.  But wait…  You remember hearing that you must first properly season the humidor.  What exactly does that mean?  Here are a few simple steps to ensure that your new humidor properly regulates humidity:

1. Use an unscented sponge and wet it with distilled water.  Ring out the sponge to remove any excess water.  The goal is to have the sponge damp but it should not be dripping wet.
2. Take the sponge and wet the entire interior of the humidor.  This includes dividers made of spanish cedar as well.  The spanish cedar should slightly change to a darker color.  There should be no puddles or drops of water resting on the cedar.
3. Place your humidification device in the humidor and close the humidor.  Let it rest overnight.  This will allow the spanish cedar to absorb the moisture applied to the wood. 
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice so that the humidor has received a total of three nights to absorb the required moisture.
5. Check your calibrated hygrometer.  Most prefer humidity ranging between 65% - 72%.  If the humidity is not yet at your desired level, steps 2 and 3 may be required one additional time.
6. Once the humidity has reached your liking, the seasoning process is finished and your humidor is ready for cigars.

NOTE:  After reading the steps above you might ask yourself, “Why is all of this necessary?”  Humidors require proper seasoning because they are lined with spanish cedar.  Spanish cedar is used to absorb moisture and help maintain humidity.  If the spanish cedar has not absorbed all the moisture that it requires, the cedar will begin to absorb it from the cigars and humidifier.  You want the spanish cedar properly seasoned so that it works hand and hand with your humidifier to maintain a stable environment for your cigars.