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.