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Humidity and temperature control is critical when you store cigars. You know that correct humidity is the only way to keep your cigars fresh, and you know that the critical levels are 60% to 75% relative humidity (RH). You know how to store cigars but this will not help you if you cannot check the humidity. To check the humidity inside of your humidor you need a hygrometer. It is a device used for measuring the RH. Some humidors have built-in hygrometers. There are two kinds of hygrometers, analog and digital. The analog hygrometers are usually more attractive, while the digital tend to be more accurate, but this is not always true. Many hygrometers, both analog and digital, are inaccurate and require adjustment. But how do you know that your hygrometer is accurate? Hygrometer test A Salt Calibration Test is the easiest way of verifying the accuracy of your hygrometer. Except for your hygrometer you need: a tablespoon of plain table salt, a bottle cap, an empty jar with lid (or a Zip-lock bag), a stirrer and distilled water. (1)Place the tablespoon of salt within the bottle cap. (2)Gently add distilled water to the salt while stirring with the stirrer. You have to add just enough water to moisten the salt in order to make it a thick paste. You do not want to dissolve the salt. (3) Place the bottle cap with salt into the jar. (4) Add your hygrometer. (5) Seal the jar. (6)Keep the jar in a place out of direct sunlight. (7) Leave for a minimum of 12 hours. (8) Check the hygrometer through the jar. It should show you close to 75% RH. IF YES Your hygrometer is fine IF NO You have to calibrate the hygrometer (this must be done immediately after removing the hygrometer from the jar) Most analog hygrometers have a screw inside a hole at the back. The screw is the calibration adjustment for you to calibrate the analog hygrometer. Turn it until it reads 75% RH. Some digital hygrometers can be adjusted by turning the adjustment wheel. Even if you can’t re-adjust your digital hygrometer you do not need to throw it. Write on it how much it’s off and use it. If you have hygrometer that’s off by -5% RH, you know that when it says 60%, it’s actually 65%RH. Many digital hygrometers also check the temperature, which helps you keep an eye on it. Move humidor to a cooler location if it is too hot. It is not easy in the summer but try to find the best location for your cigars. No direct sunlight! To learn more about how to store cigars, visit HowToStoreCigars.info where you find this article and much more, including How To Store Cigars Without a Humidor.
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Store cigars, hygrometer test, fresh cigars, humidity, hygrometer,
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