Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[chachee52]

So I've have my 200ct humidor for about a year now. I have two bead tubes in it that are up to the size of the humidor (I always go above the recommended amount so I know there there is plenty). It is usually at 68% and I typically "energize" the beads once every two months of so. Recently I have noticed that every time I go into the humidor after adding more water, it's already down to about 60-62% in about a week. The beads are turning a tan/sandy color and all I have been using is distilled water in a spray bottle.
Do beads go bad? Is this something I should be worried about?

[bobarian]

You will see many threads about people having Rh "problems" at this time of year. Nothing to be concerned about. Beads dont go bad. But with the increase in the heat inside your house also comes a drop in humidity and the beads will work harder. You can increase the % of clear beads to 75-80% and that will help. There is nothing wrong with any Rh between 60 and 70%. As long as your cigars are smoking well there is nothing to worry about.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by bobarian

You will see many threads about people having Rh "problems" at this time of year. Nothing to be concerned about. Beads dont go bad. But with the increase in the heat inside your house also comes a drop in humidity and the beads will work harder. You can increase the % of clear beads to 75-80% and that will help. There is nothing wrong with any Rh between 60 and 70%. As long as your cigars are smoking well there is nothing to worry about.

All very true.

I just wanted to add a comment that directly addresses Todd's mention of his beads turning a tan color. Todd, most likely it's a little tobacco dust or something related in the air of the humidor is causing them to stain. It happens often and as Bob said, they don't go bad and there is nothing to worry about, aside from the change in color, it doesn't affect them in the slightest.