Even though cigar smokers love their cigars, molds can ruin them. That’s why you should know how to prevent mold and preserve the quality of your cigars. This article helps you understand and stop cigar mold. Learn why mold grows and how to keep your cigars safe. If you know what to do, the result will be an enjoyable smoking experience. You can avoid the many mistakes that people make that cause mold. So, join us to discover easy tips for protecting your cigars and keeping them mold-free.
Can Cigars Get Moldy?
Of course, cigars can get moldy. Before we examine what can cause it, let's explain more about the mold itself. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp places. Hence, if you keep your cigars in a humid environment, mold can start to grow on them. So, if you're wondering, “Can cigars get moldy?” The answer is yes, so if you store it in a humid climate, it will develop mold.
What do moldy cigars look like? One thing you should know is that mold can take up different appearances. Usually, it is powdery and can sometimes appear as white mold on cigars. It can also look green or black in color on your cigar. However, cigar mold will ruin its taste, smell, and even make them unsafe to smoke.
So, when you consider storage, make sure it is in a dry and cool place. Keep your cigars far away from areas with high humidity. It shouldn't be anywhere in places like your bathrooms or kitchens. Also, there are several ways you can protect your storage from moisture. We will discuss this further in this article.
Identifying Mold on Cigars: What to Look For
Now that you know that your cigars are at risk of getting mold, there are certain things to know. You need to understand how to identify mold when you see it on a cigar.
Sometimes, people can mistake a cigar plume for a mold. There are obvious differences between the two to avoid any mix-up. If you compare cigar plume vs mold, you’ll notice that both can appear as white dusty powder. However, cigar plumes only occur when sugars and oils in the tobacco leaves crystallize on the cigar. Unlike cigar mold, when a cigar plume appears, it’s a good sign that it is an aged cigar and was properly cared for. It isn't harmful in any way, and you can simply wipe it off. In fact, when you notice the plume, it shows that the aged cigar will have better flavor.
Also, it’s important to know that mold has a distinct smell. It can smell musty or sour, but the smell will be very different from the usual smell of tobacco. Therefore, if you notice that your cigars smell off, it is better to start checking for any signs of mold.
In addition, look closely for mold on the blunt wrap, especially near the foot and cap. If there is mold, you will likely see it in those areas. The reason is that the foot and cap have higher moisture levels and are more likely to be affected. The moment you notice any signs of mold on the cigar wrappers, remove it immediately. This way, you can prevent it from spreading to the rest of your collection.
The Role of Humidors and Cigar Cases in Preventing Mold
To prevent any cigar mold, as we already mentioned, you need to keep your them in dry places. This is where humidors and cigar cases come in. They can help prevent mold on cigars because these storage options balance humidity levels. Moreover, because mold thrives in places with high moisture, storing your cigars in a controlled environment is essential.
Humidors generally are made to regulate humidity and to keep cigars fresh. These containers have a humidification system, like a humidifier or moisture-absorbing material. Hence, they can maintain the relative humidity level for cigars. The acceptable humidity level is usually around 65-70%. As a result, these humidors will keep your cigars from becoming too dry or too moist. There’s no way that cigar mold will grow in this kind of environment.
Can cigars get moldy in a humidor? Although humidors and cigar cases provide a haven for cigars, they still need proper care. If cigar smokers regularly clean and refill their humidors, it will prevent mold. Despite the humidification system, you’ll be surprised to know that there can be mold in a humidor. So, you need to know how to prevent mold in humidor. To avoid this situation, don’t neglect to maintain the humidor.
Best Practices for Mold Prevention
You can do many things to prevent mold in your humidor or your cigars. It's essential that you follow the best practices for cigar storage and maintenance.
Use a Hydrometer
The first step is to make sure that your cigars are kept in a clean and dry container. Moreover, you can monitor the humidity levels if you have a hygrometer. Make sure that there isn’t too much humidity and it stays between 65 and 70%.
Remove Cigars with Mold
Anytime you notice that your cigars are showing signs of mold, remove them immediately. You can check for mold regularly so the infected ones don't spread to the rest. Another thing to note is to avoid keeping your cigars under direct sunlight. It shouldn’t be anywhere close to heat sources. Usually, heat and light can foster the presence of mold.
Ensure Proper Airflow
At regular intervals, you should rotate the cigars in your humidor properly. This will encourage airflow and evenly distribute humidity. Try spacing out your cigars instead of overcrowding them. Pockets of high humidity can be formed if the airflow is restricted, which will promote mold growth. Also, make sure that the cigars are not stored along with any other items that can contaminate them.
Clean Your Humidors Regularly
Make sure the humidor is properly cared for and cleaned. You can clean periodically to avoid too much humidity. It’s easy to learn how to clean a humidor humidifier. To prevent mold and bacteria, use a mild solution of water and distilled vinegar. Also, handle cigars in the humidor or cases with clean hands. Don’t touch them with dirty or moist fingers because it can cause mold spores.
What to Do if You Find Mold on Your Cigars
Is cigar mold dangerous? If you find moldy cigars, it can be concerning. However, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent any spread. Carefully inspect all cigars in your entire collection to see if anyone is affected. Then, remove any mouldy cigars showing signs of discoloration, from the humidor.
You shouldn't stop removing the mouldy cigars; dispose of them properly. There's nothing you can do to salvage the moldy cigars. Don’t try to find out what happens if you smoke a moldy cigar. They may pose health risks, so it's better to seal them off in a bag and throw them away in the trash.
On how to get rid of mold in humidor or cases, make sure you thoroughly clean and disinfect it. If it is clean, you can prevent mold in cigar humidor. When you store your cigars properly, you won’t need to worry about them getting ruined.