If you’re a cigar enthusiast, then you know that the key to having an amazing smoking experience is maintaining ideal humidity in your humidor. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using the best humidor solutions.

Propylene glycol helps regulate the humidity level and prevents mold growth while keeping your cigars fresh and delicious. with so many propylene glycol solutions on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your humidor.

That’s why we’ve created this guide – to provide reviews of some of the top propylene glycol solutions available today and offer advice on how to choose one that will keep your cigars at peak condition for years to come!

What is propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water and is used in a variety of products, including medical, pharmaceutical, and food items. It is also called 1,2-propanediol or propane-1,2-diol. Propylene glycol has a faintly sweet taste, no smell, and is completely colorless. It is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickening agent, and preservative to maintain product consistency and extend shelf life in many foods and beverages.

Nonetheless, propylene glycol should never be mistaken for ethylene glycol (usually known as glycol). The cleanliness of the propylene glycol must conform to both drug and food safety regulations.

In the medical field, propylene glycol is an active ingredient in some oral medications such as cough syrups and laxatives, as well as in intravenous and topical medications. It is also common in makeup, toothpaste, and personal care products such as shampoo and conditioner. Propylene glycol has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food and cosmetics since the 1950s. Many studies have shown that propylene glycol is safe when used as directed.

1. Essential Values: Best Humidor Solution

Essential Values’ Humidor Solution is the perfect way to keep your collection fresh, with minimal maintenance. Our high-quality propylene glycol for humidors maintains 70% RH, preventing mold and dryness from ruining your flavor or texture.

Plus, our non-toxic formula is made in the USA and comes with a convenient flip-top bottle that works with any type of humidifier. Each 16 oz bottle lasts up to a year, giving you an incredible value at a fraction of the cost to replace damaged cigars. With Essential Values’ Humidor Solution, you can protect your collection without hassle – so your cigars can stay vibrant and taste their best!

Used Essential Values’ Humidor Solution to keep my cigar collection fresh and protected from mold, dryness, and dust for over a year. The solution was easy to use and maintained the relative humidity at 70%, keeping flavors and textures intact while preventing scale buildup in my humidifier. The 16 oz bottle was a great value and lasted longer than expected, making it well worth the purchase. Highly recommended!

2. Humidor Solution by Lifestyle Basics

Lifestyle Basics’ Humidor Solution is the perfect way to keep cigars at their optimal level of freshness. It is a premium propylene glycol blend that maintains a 70% RH relative humidity, which helps protect your cigars from drying out or molding.

The non-toxic, odorless formula ensures that your cigars are getting proper humidification without any added build-up or scaling. By keeping your cigars at the right moisture level you can preserve and even improve taste while having an even burn throughout the cigar. Moneyback guarantee! And all products are proudly made in the USA.

3. Xikar Cigar Humidor Solution

The Xikar Cigar Humidor Solution is an easy-to-use, pre-mixed solution that won’t plug humidifiers. It is made with a reverse osmosis system to ensure its purity and it biodegrades at the same rate as refillable devices. With the help of included crystals, this solution can absorb up to 450x its volume in propylene glycol (PG) Solution. This makes finding and maintaining optimal humidity levels for your precious cigars quick and effortless.

XIKAR PG solution is already mixed and ready for use. Each time your humidifier needs refilling, you may pour this liquid directly from the bottle into it – it’s as easy as that!

Advantages of propylene glycol

First and foremost, the development of unpleasant mold and bacteria is eradicated.

Additionally, the propylene glycol coating of a humidifier will draw in humidity when it surpasses 70%, and release moisture once below that level; thereby controlling the environment’s humidity to an optimal balance of around 70%. This self-adjusting capability reduces manual labor while still providing ideal comfort.

Advantages of distilled water

Distilled water is superior to regular tap water for humidifiers as it guards against the potential of calcification and mold. Not only are minerals present in typical tap water, which can plug up a humidifier’s pores, but chlorine and bacteria too may affect the scent inside your humidor or even cause mold to form.

What is a propylene glycol solution for a humidor?

A propylene glycol solution for a humidor is a mixture of propylene glycol, distilled water, and sometimes other additives designed to maintain optimal humidity levels inside the humidor.

Humidors are airtight containers used to preserve cigars and other tobacco products by keeping them at an ideal relative humidity (RH) level.

When using a propylene glycol solution, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and make sure that the correct dilution of the solution is used. It is also important to closely monitor the RH levels inside the humidor to ensure that they remain at an optimal level.

Distilled Water Vs. Humidor Solution

When it comes to humidifying and preserving cigars, why should you use a propylene glycol solution instead of distilled water? Well, many cigar patrons argue that utilizing just plain distilled water is sufficient. Yet if you don’t possess extensive experience in collecting cigars or lack the time to manage humidity levels consistently, then using a premixed solution can be much more convenient, stress-free, and effective.

If your humidor ever becomes too dry, the solution can replenish it with retained moisture.

The activator also works as an absorber of any surplus wetness which will help maintain equilibrium within the humidor environment. As an added advantage, propylene glycol serves to discourage mold formation in those cases where maintenance is not done routinely enough.

If mold takes control of a humidor, it can be almost impossible to eradicate, rendering the cigars within useless. To avoid this disaster from occurring, taking preventive steps against mold growth is so essential. Utilizing an activator solution that has an even fifty-fifty blend of propylene glycol and distilled water will help protect your humidor and save you hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars in cigar losses. Don’t let one pesky problem ruin what could be weeks’ worth of work!

Can I use a humidor solution in humidifiers?

The answer is yes, you can use a humidor solution in humidifiers. A humidor solution can be used to effectively maintain the ideal humidity levels for your humidifier. This is due to its ability to provide a self-adjusting environment that keeps moisture at optimal balance and helps reduces manual labor.

But please, read the instructions carefully: you can use humidor solution in sponge-based humidifiers but in some electric humidifiers, you should use only distilled water.

Can I use a humidor solution for seasoning a humidor?

Yes, a humidor solution can be used for seasoning a humidor. To properly season a humidor, it is important to create the ideal environment for storing cigars. This means establishing a consistent humidity and temperature level inside the box that is optimal for aging cigars without damaging them.

A humidor solution helps to create this ideal environment by providing the necessary moisture that is required to release essential oils in the cigar leaves and avoid shrinkage. Moreover, using a solution instead of just plain water helps to reduce fluctuations in humidity levels, which can damage cigars or cause them to dry out.

The best way to season a humidor is by periodically rehydrating it with a humidor solution. This allows the humidor to reach equilibrium faster and ensures that cigars will remain in perfect condition for a much longer period.

Can I Make My Humidor Solution?

Yes, it is possible to make your humidor solution. To do this, you will need a 50/50 mix of propylene glycol and distilled water.

You can also add some flavoring agents such as lavender or citrus to give the solution a pleasant scent. When making your humidor solution, it is important to closely monitor the relative humidity levels inside the humidor to make sure they remain at an ideal level.

A step-by-step guide for making your humidor solution

To take on this project, you’ll need the following items:

• Bowl
• Plastic container
• Propylene glycol
• Scissors
• Foam
• Distilled water

Step 1

To create your solution, pick a smaller container with an appropriate lid to hold the blend of ingredients.

A film tube or travel soap dish will be ideal for your needs. Make sure to select a vessel that facilitates adequate air circulation. You may even have to drill some holes in it if the situation calls for it, just so oxygen can flow through properly!

Step 2

To ensure your humidor is properly protected, slice up some foam blocks to fit loosely inside the container. This material can be found in floral arrangements and serves a great purpose for keeping blooms upright and hydrated – making it perfect for storing cigars!

To maintain proper humidity levels, there must be plenty of space left in the container so that air can move freely around and across the foam’s surface. Otherwise, your solution will not function optimally.

Step 3

To start, grab a small bowl and combine distilled water and propylene glycol in equal parts. Remember, the quantity you use is determined by the size of your foam sheet. Once done, immerse the cut piece of foam into this solution until it’s dampened to perfection!

Step 4

To prevent a sharp rise in the humidor’s humidity level, don’t saturate the foam. You merely need to use enough water for it to be slightly damp when touched.

Step 5

Grab the moist foam and place it in the designated container. Securely store this within your humidor, then keep an eye on the hygrometer for two to three hours until you notice a steady humidity level.

Obtain polyurethane foam from craft stores or flower shops to construct your humidity monitor. You must avoid dry foam since this will not keep the necessary levels of moisture in the air. If needed, procure propylene glycol at a local pharmacy; if unavailable on shelves, ask a pharmacist for assistance.

When stocking up on water for your humidor, be sure to opt for distilled water purchased from a grocery store – tap water contains chemicals that can interfere with the quality of your cigars and even promote mold growth.

Allowing the activator five to seven days should suffice in establishing proper humidity levels depending on how large or small it is.