Humidification Beads -- Color Changing

[Orion21]

I currently use heartfelt beads in my 100 count singles humidors and over the past year I have noticed that the color of the beads is slowly changing from clear to light gray. Some beads having even turned a dark gray. Can anyone explain this? Are the beads running low on life or absorbing dust/dirt? I have not heard of this happening before. I would like to know if I need to change anything.

[TankerT]

Are you using distilled water? If not, you could be adding impurities to the beads.

[daboose]

I wrote David at Heartfelt Industries some time ago about discoloration and he said:

"What is happening is the beads are absorbing the gases that the cigars give off as they age. This does not affect the beads performance just changes their color."

Hope this helps

[randomhero1090]

I wrote David at Heartfelt Industries some time ago about discoloration and he said:

"What is happening is the beads are absorbing the gases that the cigars give off as they age. This does not affect the beads performance just changes their color."

Hope this helps

Mine turn slight yellow after awhile, and they get a little bit of a ammonia odor to them. And that's from what was said above.

But grey...dark grey...Never seen that. Also as said, are you using distilled water?

BTW, if they get that ammonia smell, just pull them out and let them out for a couple of days. Let them turn totally white again.

[Orion21]

Yes, I am using distilled water and there is no yellowing or ammonia smell. I am intrigued, but not too worried because the unit smells like a humidor. It doesn't smell anything out of the ordinary and my rh% is perfect.

Another interesting possibility is that the large dust storms we had this summer somehow contributed to the air quality in my humidor and the dust particles were somehow absorbed by the beads. I have no other explanation.

Finally, I keep my two 100 count humidors in my wine cabinet to keep the temp stable. It is normally at 63-65 degrees. I wonder if lower temps change the color of the beads...