Humidors are used for the safe storage of cigars. In order for them to effectively do so, they need to be properly maintained. One of the best way to maintain this is by using properly calibrated hygrometers. This way, you can gauge if your cigars are stored properly in the humidor and whether they’re at the right humidity. Calibrating digital and analog hygrometers are actually very easy.
With that said, here are two main tips of what needs to be done for calibrating your hygrometer:
Table Salt Method
The most effective method of calibration for hygrometers, be it digital or analog, is the use of a salt paste. This is carried out by following the following steps:
Step #1: You need to find a round bottomed container and a plastic transparent bag. Here, basically any container can be used as long as it has a round bottom. Consider using a bottle top.
Step #2: You’ll pour one table spoon of salt into your container. Then add some water until you have achieved a paste. Later place the container along with your hygrometer into your plastic bag.
Step 3: After placing them in your plastic bag, seal the bag, but allow for some air space. Let them stay for 6 hours untouched then you can check your hygrometer’s reading. This should be done without opening the plastic bag. At this point, your hygrometer’s readings should be at 75%.
Final Step (If Applicable): However, your hygrometer may not read 75% exactly. In case this happens you just have to note down your hygrometer’s reading and the deviation. You can then add or subtract this deviation to any measurement that your hygrometer reads henceforth. For the digital hygrometers, you can just reset the readings to 75%.
Wet Cloth Method
You can also calibrate your digital hygrometer using the wet cloth method. For this method, you’ll take a damp towel and wrap it around your hygrometer then let it seat for about an hour. After, unwrap your hygrometer and it should read 98%. If this isn’t the case, adjust it with a screw driver until it reads 98%.
Calibrating a hygrometer doesn’t require any technical skills, anyone can do it. Always ensure that you re-calibrate your hygrometer. This is because new hygrometers haven’t yet been exposed to humidity and thus their readings may not be accurate. Also, ensure that you calibrate your humidor at least once every year.