White 'stuff' on humidifier

ScottTDawg · January 2010

phobicsquirrel · January 2010

is it the foam? foam devices seem to get a lot of mold. 70 is a bit high too.

j0z3r · January 2010

phobicsquirrel · January 2010

Hawk55 · January 2010

Could the white substance be calcium or some deposit from the water ...tap water may cause that.

j0z3r · January 2010

ScottTDawg · January 2010

j0z3r:
If you are using a foam humidifier, I'd suggest using the 50/50 solution, it will help keep your humidity in check and prevent mold. Also, if it is foam, I'd strongly suggest decontaminating it using a mix of white vinegar and water, about a 5:1 ratio of water to vinegar, this will kill the mold, if you don't kill it, it will come back. When you decontaminate, just soak the humidifier in the mix and let it air dry.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm using a 50/50 solution already so I'm surprised at the growth. I'll try to decontaminate my humidifier and let it air dry. Is there any chance of residue/vinegar odor staying in the humidifier? Also, can I use the humicare pillows that I get from ccom orders temporarily?

phobicsquirrel · January 2010

j0z3r · January 2010

ScottTDawg:
j0z3r:
If you are using a foam humidifier, I'd suggest using the 50/50 solution, it will help keep your humidity in check and prevent mold. Also, if it is foam, I'd strongly suggest decontaminating it using a mix of white vinegar and water, about a 5:1 ratio of water to vinegar, this will kill the mold, if you don't kill it, it will come back. When you decontaminate, just soak the humidifier in the mix and let it air dry.
Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm using a 50/50 solution already so I'm surprised at the growth. I'll try to decontaminate my humidifier and let it air dry. Is there any chance of residue/vinegar odor staying in the humidifier? Also, can I use the humicare pillows that I get from ccom orders temporarily?

Now that's odd. From what you've posted, I don't really think it's mold, but then again I'm not really sure what it could be. It might not be a terrible idea to decontaminate anyway for safety sake, the vinegar should dry completely and leave no odor, just make sure you use white vinegar. And yes, you can use the humi pillows, they'll work just fine.

cabinetmaker · January 2010

Check all your cigars thoroughly, one might have some mold on it. Spores, though small, are still governed by gravity and will settle to the lowest part of the humidor (where you stated your humidifyer was located)...