How To Calibrate Your Hygrometer

A hygrometer is a device that measures the humidity levels within a humidor. Hygrometers are important for cigar lovers because, in order to have the best smoking experience possible, cigars must be stored at (or near) 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity. If your hygrometer is off, you won’t know the humidity levels in your humidor, and your cigar might be drying out (or worse) without your knowledge. 

Here’s the good news: today, we’ll explain how to calibrate your hygrometer and ensure your cigars remain in peak smoking condition.

What are the Different Types of Hygrometers?

Depending on your setup, you may have a digital, analog, or Bluetooth hygrometer. Each has its own benefits, and we’ll show you how to set up and calibrate all of them.

How To Calibrate a Digital Hygrometer

To calibrate a digital hygrometer, you need a soda cap or a small dish, table salt, a small airtight bag or container, and, of course, a digital hygrometer.

The Salt Method

1. Fill your soda cap or a small dish with salt.

2. Pour enough water into the salt to make a proper mixture, enough that all of the salt is wet, but not too much so that the water level rises past the salt. You are looking for a paste or slush-like consistency. 

3. Open your airtight bag or container and place it on a flat surface. Carefully place the salt mixture inside. 

4. Remove and reinsert the batteries in your digital hygrometer to reset the hygrometer. 

5. Place the hygrometer inside the bag or container with the salt mixture and seal. Leave the container undisturbed for 12 hours.

If your digital hygrometer is reading 75% relative humidity, you did it! If it does not read 75%, that’s not a big deal. You can adjust your hygrometer to read 75%, or if your digital hygrometer is not adjustable, you can note the difference between your current reading and 75.* You may now place your hygrometer in the humidor with your cigars for an accurate reading. 

*Ex: If your hygrometer now reads 70% after calibration, note that your hygrometer is reading low and that you should add 5% to any reading in the future.

How To Calibrate an Analog Hygrometer

Analog hygrometers, although visually appealing, are notorious for producing inaccurate readings. If you choose to use an analog version, be aware that you should recalibrate your hygrometer at least once every two months to ensure an accurate measure of humidity. 

To calibrate an analog hygrometer, you can again use the salt method listed above. It is important to note that many analog hygrometers come installed in your humidor. If this is the case, you must remove the device from the humidor before proceeding with the salt method. 

If your reading is above or below 75% after implementing the salt method, there is no need to worry. One of the benefits of using an analog hygrometer is that with a screwdriver, you can manually adjust the reading to 75%. Just turn the small screw on the back of the device immediately after removing the hygrometer from your airtight container. Once the front reads 75%, you are good to go, and your hygrometer is ready to join your cigars inside your humidor.

How To Calibrate a Bluetooth Hygrometer

In today’s digital world, there are a few hygrometers that work over the internet or through Bluetooth by sending humidity readings to your smartphone or tablet. In this case, the hygrometer will have a set of instructions included upon purchase to calibrate the device to the proper humidity.

Want more articles like this? Sign up for Cigar World to stay up to date on all the latest trends, hacks, and new cigar releases.