Each Elie Bleu box is a unique piece, handcrafted by our artisans. The types of wood used each have their own specific characteristics, giving each box its singular character.

Wood is a living material; it acts and reacts to its environment. Therefore, the wood used to make our boxes requires special care to ensure optimal preservation of your cigars.

Before putting cigars in your humidor, it is necessary to perform a seasoning process.

This step allows the wood and the internal environment of the box to reach the correct humidity level.

1. Prepare the humidifiers

Remove the humidifiers from the box.

• Open the grid by sliding the buttons.
• Fill the humidifiers with demineralized water .
• It is recommended to use demineralized water of the type: water for irons , generally sold in 5 l. containers in supermarkets.

Caution : some waters of this type are perfumed (lilas, rose, etc.). It is essential to use unscented water .

2. Fill the humidifiers correctly

• The best way to fill humidifiers is to use a flat container (for example, a Tupperware container) that is the right size for them.

• Place the humidifiers flat in the container and completely submerge them with demineralized water.

• Leave them submerged for 5 to 10 minutes , allowing the internal foam to fully absorb water.

• Next, take out the humidifiers and leave them upside down in a sink for 5 to 10 minutes so that the excess water drains out.

• You can optionally wipe them with a cloth.

• The remaining water in the container can be transferred into the demineralized water container for later use.

• The humidifiers are then ready to be installed in the box, on the metal plates provided for this purpose.

3. First seasoning phase

The box must be completely empty , with no cigars inside.

• Install the filled humidifiers in their position.

• Close the box and leave for 3 to 4 days .

4. Second seasoning phase

After this initial period:

• Remove the humidifiers and repeat the filling process described previously.

• Then put them back in the box.

• Close the box and leave it to act again for 3 to 4 days .

5. Humidity check

Before putting your cigars in, the humidity inside the box must be: above 70% but not exceeding 75%.

Depending on the humidity of the country or the room in which the box is located, the seasoning may vary:

• In a relatively humid environment, a single 4-day phase may be sufficient.
  

• In a drier environment, a third phase may be necessary.
  

• Once this level of humidity is reached, your box is ready to be used.

You can then place your cigars there.

Humidity management

To ensure proper preservation of cigars, it is recommended to regularly check the humidity level of the case .

When the hygrometer indicates a downward trend and falls below 70% , it is time to consider refilling the humidifiers.

The refilling frequency is highly dependent on the environment:

• In some countries, this may be necessary once a month.
  
• In others, once every two months

Therefore, there is no universal rule, as everything depends on the ambient humidity level.

Refresh the air of the box

It is also advisable to refresh the air in the box at least once a week .

Simply opening and then closing the box is all that is needed.

Humidifiers timelife

After several years of use, the foam inside humidifiers can lose its ability to absorb and release moisture.

You will usually notice this when the box has difficulty maintaining a humidity level between 70% and 72% .

In this case, it will be necessary to replace the humidifier(s) .

• Important warning
  

Some videos circulating on the Internet show seasoning methods involving wiping the sides of the box with a damp sponge.

This practice is strongly discouraged.

Since wood is a living material, direct contact with water can cause the wood to warp, potentially deforming the box or even weakening the corner joints.

To preserve the integrity of the case, never directly moisten the walls with a sponge or a damp cloth .

Change the hygrometer

The hygrometer is inserted into a black cup which holds it in place.

To remove it:

• Press with your thumb and pull with your index finger to disengage the hygrometer from the cup.
• Next, place the new hygrometer by simply pushing it into its housing.

The hygrometer is then replaced.

Recalibrating an hygrometer

To recalibrate your hygrometer, you will need:

• A Boveda pack , or a Boveda calibration kit.
• Take a resealable freezer bag .
• Place the Boveda sachet and the hygrometer inside.
• If you use a Boveda 72% bag, the hygrometer should show the same percentage after 3 days .
• If not, you can adjust the reading using the screw located at the back of the hygrometer , by turning the needle up to 72% .

Maintenance tips

To preserve the appearance and quality of your box:

• Keep it away from any source of heat : radiators, spotlights, overheated display cases or direct sunlight.
• Special attention should be paid to stained sycamore pieces, whose color can change under excessively intense light.
• Clean the varnished surface with a cloth dampened with alcohol diluted in water or with a glass cleaner .
• Never moisten the inner walls of the case.