Crystal kitty litter beads?

[Loonzter]

I read an article regarding kitty litter beads used to humidify your box. It stated that when used in a humidor they worked very well to maintain a 65-70% RH. Curious if anyone here has given it a try? Lord knows the bag you can purchase for 7-10 bucks will certainly last for quite some time.

 

[TonySmjc]

It’s not that it won’t work
A damp paper towel will work

the question is why would you bother

the readily available cigar humidification producta
Work great , last a very long time and don’t risk adding any contaminants to your box

there a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist

 

[cany]

I use water beads from Michal's craft store have been for yrs they seem too work great for me and the jar has lasted me about four yrs

 

[TonySmjc]

I find the regular cigar beads with the solution hold the humidity better and require less attention

but as long as your paying attention a shallow bowl of water works fine

 

[cany]

No room for a bowl of water in my humidor

 

[TonySmjc]

The bowl of water works better in a larger unit I used to keep one in my wine cabinet to keep the humidity up so the corks wouldn’t dry out

Kept it lower than I’d want for cigars because the temp was low but had no issue keeping it at 55 percent or so

 

[Macks]

I use the Boveda packs,when I buy from JR they always put a couple in the bag..

 

[capspackle]

I've been using these for years.

Heartfelt Industries: Humidity Beads, 70% Rh Humidity Beads

I bought 1/2 lbs. made two sacks out of wifes new panty hose.
'that went over really well'
I add pure steamed distill water every once in awhile when the
dry out.
The reason I got the 1/2 lbs. is I use them in this

He sells the tubes that look great for smaller humidors.

 

[capspackle]

I also here good thing about the Boveda packs
people seem to like them

 

[Loonzter]

Boveda packs seem very convenient, I read that you actually choose the humidity level packet you desire and just pop in one or more (depending the size of your box) and your done. I'm assuming you pay for that convenience. I'm interested in managing my resources so I have more to spend on new sticks. Penny saved is a penny earned.

 

[TonySmjc]

These are the answer
Hold great
Very neat
inexpensive

 

[cany]

This is what I use with the beads/distilled water and sometimes the cigar solution like Tony posted every so often Ill pop it open and add some new beads

 

[cany]

These are the beads

 

[TonySmjc]

Just a heads up
Water beads don’t work as well with the solution
And
The cigar beads don’t work as well with water

not that the won’t work at all just that there’s a difference

water beads with water
Or
Poly solution with its specific bead

I’ve found that the solution holds more consistAnt humidity for longer in smaller humidirs

Water is best used in active systems like cigar oasis


a brief explanation
Poly glycol is hydro scopic it will both add and remove humidity from a box maintaining 70 percent the draw back is that if you don’t keep the beads charged the will work in reverse pulling humidity from your box back into the crystals
But so long as you keep the units charged the maintain very well

water is a one way street it will only humdify
Up to 100 percent with no check other than temperature

some great articles on it if you search around

 

[cany]

Interesting Tony Thanks

 

[Loonzter]

TonySmjc, thanks for that, I agree it was very interesting. Perhaps trying to save a few bucks on humidification should not be a priority. After all when you consider what we spend to fill your box with tasty, well seasoned cigars taking the best care of them should be my focus. In for a penny in for a pound? Lol

 

[TonySmjc]

I keep the majority of my better sticks in a locker at a cigar lounge there conditions are far Superior to what I maintain at home
But I try to age some of my cigars for a year or more
And have at times had some around 5 or
I only keep 30 days supply of my daily smokes at home but still try and keep good conditions
Cigar solution and a new gel pad once every few years is small price to pay


Try keeping a stash around 2 or more years you’ll be well rewarded