How to fix mold issue in large humidor

[Lorglath]

I have been using nothing but distilled water in they system, and I do tend to take the oasis apart about once every 1-2 months for a thorough cleaning as it seems to start to get mold in about that time frame. I did adjust the setting down until both of my external hygrometers read 60-65%...

As for circulation, I have built in fans for circulating into each shelf... the thread of my build was posted to puff: link

I am afraid some of the spores are now behind the back of the Spanish Cedar in between it and the back wall of the cabinet.... Mold isn't growing on any new sticks... but continues to grow back on specific cigars that are in my quarantined area that I have wiped them off...

Quite honestly... the case isn't even that air tight, I have to fill up the oasis about 1/2 way every 3-4 weeks... not sure what to do...

[Barrythevic]

Over humidifying can start a mold bloom. Mold spoors are in the air and all it takes is the correct temperature and humidity for the mold to take hold. Once the mold is in your humidor, you have to kill the spoors in order to stop the infestation. Think of a swimming pool that has an algae bloom, same scenario.

The best way to kill off the mold and not have a health issue is to wipe all surfaces of your humidor with isopropyl alcohol, i.e. rubbing alcohol. Chlorine, like you use in a pool works better, but then you have the issue of removing all traces of the chlorine from your humidor. Chlorine gas is not your friend! LOL

Several years ago I had a similar problem. I emptied everything from the humidor. I filled a bottle sprayer with rubbing alcohol and sprayed every nook and cranny with the alcohol. I let it air dry for several hours and repeated twice more. The alcohol killed all of the mold and then evaporated without leaving a trace. If you can, find the 92% isopropyl, it will evaporate quicker and will have lower trace elements.

It solved the problem and with better humidity control, I did not have a repeat issue.

Good Luck!

[Lorglath]

Originally Posted by Barrythevic

Over humidifying can start a mold bloom. Mold spoors are in the air and all it takes is the correct temperature and humidity for the mold to take hold. Once the mold is in your humidor, you have to kill the spoors in order to stop the infestation. Think of a swimming pool that has an algae bloom, same scenario.

The best way to kill off the mold and not have a health issue is to wipe all surfaces of your humidor with isopropyl alcohol, i.e. rubbing alcohol. Chlorine, like you use in a pool works better, but then you have the issue of removing all traces of the chlorine from your humidor. Chlorine gas is not your friend! LOL

Several years ago I had a similar problem. I emptied everything from the humidor. I filled a bottle sprayer with rubbing alcohol and sprayed every nook and cranny with the alcohol. I let it air dry for several hours and repeated twice more. The alcohol killed all of the mold and then evaporated without leaving a trace. If you can, find the 92% isopropyl, it will evaporate quicker and will have lower trace elements.

It solved the problem and with better humidity control, I did not have a repeat issue.

Good Luck!

Great suggestion, I am thinking of trying this with Everclear grain alcohol rather than rubbing alcohol.

[Barrythevic]

Originally Posted by Lorglath

Great suggestion, I am thinking of trying this with Everclear grain alcohol rather than rubbing alcohol.

That should work! EverClear is around 98%! Besides you can have a nice buzz while you do it! LOL