Q: I received a new humidor for Christmas. I put a box of Cohibas in it last week but can't seem to get the humidity up to 65%-70%. I filled the hygrometer once to start and then again but the humidity is still too low. Is the humidor defective? How can I raise to humidity to the proper level?

A: It's not necessarily defective; maybe it just needs a little time.

First, test your hygrometer for accuracy. You need to know this before going ahead.

You should always let a brand new humidor stand for a week without cigars inside. New humidors typically need about a week before they stabilize and are ready for your smokes.

Consult the manufacturer's instructions to see if treating (wiping the inner lining of the box with distilled water) is suggested. If advised by the manufacturer, make sure you treat the humidor, then fill the humidification unit and close the humidor for a week testing periodically with a calibrated hygrometer. If treating is not advised, follow the same procedure without treating the humidor.

After a week, if the relative humidity is still low, place a sponge or folded paper towel, moistened with distilled water, on a plastic bag and insert it into the humidor over night. Then check the humidity on the next day. This should give you the shot of humidity you need. If dryness persists after one day, but the moisture has been absorbed from the sponge or paper towel, repeat the process. If it is still low and the moisture has not been absorbed, leave the towel or sponge in for another day and check again.

If the humidity does not stabilize after all this, you've done your best; call the manufacturer and explain. In the meantime, you could place the precious cigars in plastic humidor bags for short-term storage -- very reliable.