Humidor cleaning - Mold

[JonasTheSwede]

Hi friends!

I have a new humidor cabinet and have detected some mold on several cigars. Feels like a thorough cleaning is warranted. How do I go about this? Have read that a special kind of alcohol rubbing is required followed by distilled water. Do you have any instructions you can point me in the direction of?

Thanks!

Jonas

[Fuzz]

Isopropyl alcohol is what is usually recommended.Though hydrogen peroxide is more effective in killing mold. You can also give the humidor a light sanding, which will remove stains and mold that has gone below the surface. Once sanded, vacuum out the dust and give it a quick wipe down.

If you do use isopropyl alcohol, do not use 90-100%, as 70% is more effective due to the water content allowing the alcohol to penetrate the cell walls.The slower evaporation helps to allow a longer contact time.

But before you go to all this trouble, are you sure the mold wasn't on the cigars in the first place?

[JonasTheSwede]

Thanks a bunch for this! 

The cigars that had mold came with the cabinet, but no visible signs of mold in the cabinet itself. 

How do I go about wiping down the cabinet with isopropyl alcohol? And do I need to “wipe” the alcohol off with distilled water afterwards?

Thank you so much in advance!

Regards

Jonas

[Fuzz]

Just dampen a cloth with the alcohol and wipe down the cabinet. No need to wipe with distilled water after, as the alcohol will evaporate. Then re-season your humidor and you're good to go.

If it smells musty, air it in the open and let the sun shine in it. Sunlight will kill mold.