If you are using tap water for cigar humidifiers, stop this practice right now! It will soon clog your humidifier and build mold or bacteria. So, what type of water should you use instead?
Distilled water and propylene glycol are the best type of water for cigar humidifiers. You can also use RO/DI water, but it is too expensive.
Let’s explore this in detail:
What Type Of Water Is Best For Cigar Humidifiers?
- Distilled Water
Distilled water is purified through a distillation process that eliminates all sorts of impurities and minerals. As a result, when you use the water in the cigar humidifier for a long period, it doesn’t clog the mineral or unwanted substances.
This way, you can use the humidifier for an extended time without any replacement hassle. Besides, distilled water is easily available and highly affordable. You can buy it from grocery stores or pharmacies and drugstores.
| Pros | Cons |
| Prevents mineral build-upReduces the risk of mold growthExtends lifespan of cigar humidifier Easily availableAffordable price | Need frequent refill |
- Propylene Glycol Solution
Propylene glycol or PG solution is also known as a 50/50 activation solution. This mixture of 50% propylene glycol and 50% distilled water is hygroscopic in nature. It absorbs and releases moisture from nature to maintain an ideal humidity level (65% to 70%) within the cigar humidifier.
It also has antibacterial properties that fight against bacteria and mold growth in the humidifier. Again, compared to distilled water, they evaporate slowly and evenly. Therefore, using propylene glycine for cigar humidifiers requires less frequent refilling.
| Pros | Cons |
| Consistent humidity maintenanceAnti-bacterial features Greater control over the evaporation rateLess frequent refilling | More expensive than distilled waterNot easily available |
Why You Should Not Use Tape Water For Cigar Humidifiers?
Tape water is a big NO for cigar humidifiers. If you use tap water for a long time, here is the damage it will cause to your cigars and humidifier:
Mineral Build-up Clogging The Humidifier
Tap water contains minerals, metals, and other impurities. These particles gradually deposit in the humidifier and clog them. As a result, they can no longer absorb or release moisture effectively. So, you need to replace the humidifier as soon as possible.
Mold and Bacteria Growth In Cigars
Have you ever seen a bullish-green spot in your cigar? This is due to mold infection. Tap water has minerals like chlorine, calcium, magnesium, etc. When these minerals are accumulated in the humidifier for a longer period, mold and bacteria begin to grow. You won’t see this immediately, but with time, this will affect the cigar’s quality and also endanger your health.
Chemical Contamination Affecting The Flavor Of Cigars
Have you ever got a chemical-like aftertaste puffing your cigar? Using tap water in your cigar humidifier can be a prime cause for this.
Tap water often contains chemical content like chlorine or fluoride, which is mostly used for disinfection. When you use tap water in a cigar humidifier, these chemicals get into the cigar and affect its flavor. Thus, you will no longer get the original flavor of tobacco, and in many cases, it may give a chemical-like taste.
Shortening The Humidifier Lifespan
The clogging of the humidifier, mold, and bacterial infection damage the humidifier, and it needs a quick replacement. Thus, the lifespan of a cigar humidifier is reduced, and you can’t use it for the expected duration.
Can Distilled Water Cause Mold Cigars?
Yes, even after using distilled water, your cigar can get mold for the following reasons:
A. High Humidity level
If the humidity level rises too much, the cigar gets wet and builds mold even after using distilled water. Therefore, you must never exceed the humidity level above 70% – 72%.
B. Storing Mold Infected Cigars
If you store a mold-exposed cigar in the humidor, it will infect the other cigars, too. So, when you refill cigars or switch boxes, isolate them into a ziplock bag with a humidity pouch. Once you are sure that the cigars are not infected, place them in the humidor for storage.
Distilled Water Vs. RO/DI Water: Which Is Better For Cigar Humidifier?
If you are looking for the purest water for your cigars, RO/DI water is the one to go for. They are neutral with a PH 7. Besides, RO/DI water contains no minerals or toxic chemicals. So, using this water, there is the least chance of mold/bacterial growth or mineral build-up issues.
In contrast, distilled water, though pure, still may contain some minerals. Besides, they are slightly acidic with a PH 6. This still keeps a risk of getting mold-infected. Still, if maintained well, you will get great results and face no issues using distilled water.
Distilled water is also easily available and very affordable. RO/DI water is very expensive, and you won’t get it as easily as distilled water. Considering all these, distilled water is a better option as it is readily available, cheap, and works well with cigar humidifiers.
Wrapping Up
If you are using cigar humidifiers at home, distilled water is good to go. It is cheap and easily found in grocery stores. However, propylene glycol is best for cigar humidifiers for commercial or retail storage. This keeps the cigar’s humidity constant and fights bacterial attraction.
However, it’s not just the water; to keep the cigars’ quality intact, the quality of the cigar humidifier matters a lot. In this case, the cigar humidifier of GETJOEAIR is a reliable choice. We have four variants of cigar humidifiers offering a one-year warranty! Contact us for any inquiries!
