Monday, November 29 1999
I recently bought a bottle of 50/50 solution to use on the humidifiers for my office and home humidors. Both humidifiers are the green oasis floral foam type and work very well. After about a week, I noticed the humidity was going down, so I added more solution only to find this did nothing. Now, I'm supposed to know about this stuff, but when in doubt I turn to our Famous Smoke Shop store manager, Lisa Freytes.
"Soaking an oasis floral foam humidifier in 50/50, especially if it has already been treated with distilled water, will CLOG the humidifier's pores," says Lisa.
YIKES! Should we have not told customers to use 50/50 in all their humidifiers?
"No. It really does help fight off bacteria and keep the humidor stable. The thing is, with the oasis foam humidifiers, you only need to use a few drops; no more than a teaspoon, about 3 times a year, if even that. Or, if you do want to use it more often, cut it down to 80% 50/50, 20% distilled water or even 90/10. This thinner mixture is also recommended for that little teaspoon, too. The IDEAL use for 'full-strength' 50/50 would be the Paradigm wick-type humidifiers, Cigar Oasis brand electronic humidifiers, well-type humidifiers, etc.; anything other than green oasis foam, unless you dilute it."
So how do you undo the 50/50 overkill? I opened up my humidifier, removed the green oasis foam and soaked it thoroughly in distilled water for 5 minutes and repeatedly rinsed it with distilled water. If you can't open yours, vigorous shaking under distilled water may do the trick. Now my humidor is holding at a steady 68%-69%, which is where I like it. WHEW! That was a close one! - G.K.
