Originally Posted by n2advnture

A lot of "newbies" tend to use tap water on a sponge or paper towel. This is a BIG no-no!

First off, you should be using distilled water.

Secondly, too much humidity can cause your smokes to swell and crack as well a create horrible draw problems.

The best solution is to use humidity controller beads. These are similar to the little silica beads that your find in shoes boxes and the like, EXCEPT humidity control beads absorb AND release moisture (the little silica packets merely absorb). The beads typically come in 2 versions, 65% RH and 70% RH - be sure to pick the ones that fit your smokes. (65 for Cubans and 70 for N/Cs).

Not all beads are created equal. Several companies sell the beads but some people (heartfelt industries) sell beads to that test better at maintaining the correct RH for that range (ie 65% or 70%). Other companies sell lesser quality beads that do the same thing but don't test as well in regards to maintaining the RH range, so be careful - you get what you pay for.

You can purchase mesh bags, plastic tubes with holes cut in or just use the toe cut off a set of panty hose to hold the beads.

To "charge" the beads, you can use a spray bottle to moisten the beads until about 60% opaque or use a small ketchup cup like you find at McDonalds. Fill it with distilled water and press the cup into the beads. The beads will take and give the moisture that it needs to maintain the proper RH.

Hope this helps and enjoy!
~Mark