Salt test question...(and more)

Heavy

OK - Everything that I have read online indicates that the salt test should produce a 75% RH. I went to a B&M shop that I rarely frequent today and the guy there told me it should give a 70% RH. What gives? Thing is, my wife got me a digital hygro from this guy as a gift a couple of months ago. The thing is wacky. When I put it in my humidor, it read in the high-50s, so I kept charging my humidifier - highest I could get the RH was 67 (typcially read 62-65%). After a month or so, I can tell that my sticks aren't burning right. Salt test the hygro - it reads 62%!! Look closely at a couple sticks located on the tray directly above the humidifier and I see mold. Salt test the same hygro again - 68%. So apparently I've been unknowingly keeping the RH WAY too high, but I'm not sure how high. So I recently pulled all my sticks and put them in tupperware. Wiped the humidor out and let it air out for a couple of days. I'm seasoning it now with a shot glass of distilled (not wiping it down thanks to advice I've read on here) but I don't think I can trust this hygro. Anyone have similar issues with a digital hygrometer? Advice or suggestions certainly appreciated, because I am confused as hell right now and scared I'm going to ruin my somewhat limited yet growing collection.

TatuajeVI

The salt test should read 75% if your hygrometer is perfect. No question about it. Test it a few different times if you must. I would, it is worth the piece of mind.

TheShaun

I had a strange thing happen with my new digi hygro. On the first salt test after 8+ hours it only showed 63%. So I took it out, dumped the salt mixture and pitched the zip bag. Grabbed a face cloth dampened it with hot water and wrapped the the hygro with it. After about 5-10 seconds the hygro read 95%. Good sign, since it was wrapped in the wet towel. Then I went for a second salt test. Mixed up a new salt mixture and this time put it in a tupperware container, went to work and came home, only to find the hygro bouncing between 73-74%. Great! Took it out and let it come down to normal, mixed up new salt mixture and stuck it back in the tupperware. In the morning it was at 73-74% again. It's almost like it needed the kick start of being wrapped in a damp steamy towel.

jlmarta

Heavy

Thanks guys. I'll definitely wrap the hygro in the towel and re-try the salt test. Great advice! And I knew that guy was off saying the salt test should read 70%. Either he was cofused or he was trying to convince me that the hygrometer wasn't that far off since he sold it to me!

kuzi16

Anthony24

I have a question also regard salt test, so during the salt test it should read 75.5%, rite now im reading 62%. Now it tells me in the directions, to just calibrate after sitting 6 hours. But in the forums im reading it says that it should read 75.5% during salt test, is it possible that im off 10% and need to calibrate, or am i doing something wrong?

Heavy

Anthony24

Heavy

TatuajeVI

Definitely use the salt test for your digital one as well. I test mine on a regular basis - once a month or so. It takes just about no effort, and I have far too many cigars I want to keep stabilized and delicious.

Anthony24

Ok thanks guys for your help.

jsnake

TatuajeVI:

Definitely use the salt test for your digital one as well. I test mine on a regular basis - once a month or so. It takes just about no effort, and I have far too many cigars I want to keep stabilized and delicious.

I just salt tested 2 digitals with 1 being off by -2 and the other by -10. I highly recommend this because you just can't rely on what they say out of the box. If you spent $100 on one I would say expect perfection but since most I have seen are relatively cheap you get what you pay for. Protect your cigars.

YankeeMan

I just bought two from Wallymart and one was right on and the other was +5. They can't be adjusted, but they were cheap. I'll just take the difference into account.