If you are a cigar fan, you will need a hygrometer to make sure the relative humidity of the vapor in your cigar storage is correct. A hygrometer is a device that can measure the humidity of the air, both in cigar storage areas, or in other places such as greenhouses, incubators, museums, etc. To make sure your hygrometer is working properly, you can test it before use and, if necessary, verify it. The salt method is a proven hygrometer accuracy test method. Here's how.
Step
Step 1. Gather equipment
To test the accuracy of a hygrometer with salt, you will need the following household items:
- Sealable food storage bag
- Small cup or lid of a 20 oz soda soda bottle
- A little salt
- Water
Step 2. Fill the bottle cap with salt, and add water until the mixture thickens
Don't add too much water until the salt dissolves, just moisten it. If you add too much water, wipe off the excess with paper towels.
Step 3. Place the bottle cap and hygrometer in the bag
Seal this bag, then store it in a hidden place, so it won't be disturbed during the test.
Step 4. Wait 6 hours
The hygrometer will measure the humidity in the bag.
Step 5. Read the hygrometer result
If accurate, the hygrometer will show exactly 75% humidity.
Step 6. If necessary, adjust the hygrometer
If your hygrometer shows humidity is more or less than 75 percent, you will need to make sure the hygrometer is accurate when you check the humidity of the cigar storage area.
- If your hygrometer is analog, turn the knob until it reaches 75 percent.
- If your hygrometer is digital, use the dial to set it to 75 percent.
- If your hygrometer is an unchangeable type, record how many percent are more or less than 75 percent. When you use a hygrometer, add or subtract percentage points from the number you recorded to make the reading accurate.
Tips
- There are hygrometers whose readings will vary from time to time. It is recommended that you test the hygrometer every 6 months to keep it accurate.
- You can also replace salt with these chemicals: lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium carbonate, potassium sulfate. With these substances, the percentage figures in order should be at 11%; 33%; 43%; and 97%.
- To stay fresh, the humidity in your cigar storage should be between 68 and 72 percent.
