Recently purchased a used humidor on ebay on a whim (lesson learned!) When I received it, I saw 3 visible black patches, and a particularly large one on the corner. (3rd patch not pictured as I couldn't get it to transfer to my computer.) Quite sure it's been over-humidified because I saw very small patches of fuzzy green mold on slits of the tray but figure it could be sanded off and removed very easily, or even not used at all should it come to it. However, my concern are the black patches found in the humidor; upon recently reading on the dangers of black mold, I figure the humidor may be a lost cause if it's the case.
I've never seen black mold in an humidor before, and the pictures that do come up in searches are very very small black dots dotted in the cedar; admittedly different from the large black patches seen in this humidor. But I figure the difference stems from in the amount of time that passed in improper humidification. There is no fuzz as I can see but it has ingrained itself in the wood. And everyday since I've received it, I've been wiping it down with alcohol pads and distilled water once a day, and found no black residue on the cloths at any time. All 3 black patches are similar in close inspection; the large one being the darkest of the 3-- going darker towards the corners like the one found on the lid. The one not shown is the smallest and lightest of the three and is found near the middle of the humidor away from the corners and sides.
Anyway, here are some photos:
Bottom corner, large patch
Lid Corner, small patch
So is this black mold? What are your opinions? Imo, I think it is as I can't think of an explanation that explains a black discoloration that isn't mold. The seller argues that the black stains either came naturally from humidification or from the bloom of his cigars (lol). But I have not read anything yet about black discoloring, or any discoloring (outside of the cedar looking 'wet' from long term humidification) in humidors. Are there instances of discoloring that occurs that is not mold? If so, is it generally considered safe? I should note, there are no visible signs of glue or nails where the black patches are seen. Can the bloom of cigars stain the cedar in humidor? If so, to such a dark, black color?
I hardly believe the bloom argument, as bloom is white. But regardless, I'd like some more opinions and info. I know that perhaps many of you would suggest to just toss it... and I normally would but I'd like to recover most of what I paid and having more info and evidence to reference would help. Anyways, I appreciate any info and help. Thanks!
