How to Store Cigars without a Humidor

If you’re a cigar enthusiast, or someone who’s just getting started, but don’t have a humidor on hand, you might be wondering how to keep your cigars fresh and flavorful. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining a cigar’s quality, as the right balance of humidity and temperature preserves its flavor, texture, and burn. Fortunately, there are simple and effective methods to store cigars without a humidor, using everyday items you likely already have at home. Whether you’re in a pinch or just starting your cigar collection, these tips will help you keep your cigars in prime condition.

Storage Conditions for Cigars

When storing cigars, it’s important to know that they require specific environmental conditions to maintain their quality. The key factors are humidity and temperature. Ideally, cigars should be stored at a humidity level between 67% and 73%. This range helps preserve the natural oils and sugars in the tobacco, ensuring the cigars burn smoothly and evenly while retaining their intended flavor profile.

Equally important is the storage temperature, which should be kept steady, ideally around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can lead to problems like tobacco beetle infestations or mold growth, both of which can ruin your cigars.

How to Store Cigars Without a Humidor

While a humidor is the best option for storing cigars, especially long term, there are several alternative methods you can use temporarily to store your cigars without a humidor. These solutions are handy if you’re just getting started with cigars or if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to a humidor.

Tupperware

A simple and effective temporary storage solution for cigars can be found in your kitchen—Tupperware. Tupperware is one of the best ways to store a cigar without a humidor. Both plastic and glass Tupperware containers are excellent choices because they create an airtight seal that helps maintain the necessary humidity levels. To use Tupperware for storing cigars, you’ll need to add a humidity source, which we will cover shortly.

Ziplock Bag

Similar to Tupperware, Ziplock bags can also be used to store cigars. They are particularly useful for short-term storage or transporting a few cigars. Again, the addition of a small, moistened sponge or a humidity packet will help maintain the right environment inside the bag. Ziplock bags are often used for transporting cigars for short periods of time – like when bringing your cigars on vacation with you. So, if they can be used for road trips, they can preserve them long enough for you to get a humidor.

Coolers

For those with a larger collection but no humidor, a small cooler can be adapted into a makeshift humidor, often called a “coolidor.” Coolers are well-insulated, which helps maintain a stable environment inside. They can accommodate larger quantities of cigars with the addition of humidity sources. If you’re in a more extreme environment with heavy heat or harsh cold air, coolers with work best because of their ability to regulate temperatures better and tupperware.

Humidifiers

Maintaining the right humidity is crucial when keeping your cigars fresh, with or without a humidor. And, there are several do-it-yourself solutions that can be used in the absence of a traditional humidifier.

Boveda Packets

One of the easiest and most effective ways to regulate humidity in any improvised cigar storage is using Boveda packets. These packets release or absorb moisture to maintain a specific humidity level, which is ideal for cigar storage. They are widely available at cigar shops and online.

Sponges

A simple household sponge can also be used as a DIY humidifier. Cut a small piece of a clean sponge, dampen it with distilled water (to avoid any chemicals or impurities), and place it in a small, open plastic bag or a breathable container. This setup can then be placed inside your storage container to help maintain humidity.

Damp Rag

If you’re storing a large quantity of cigars temporarily, a damp rag can be used. The rag should be lightly moistened with distilled water and placed in the container, not directly touching the cigars, to avoid any potential water damage.

Selecting the Right Humidor

While the methods described above are suitable for short-term storage, investing in a humidor is essential for anyone serious about cigars. Humidors are specially designed to provide a controlled environment for cigars, equipped with hygrometers and humidifiers to regulate humidity. Shop Cubano Central for all of your cigar accessory needs.