Cigars taste best when they are kept at the right RH.
RH stands for Relative humidity.
It is important to test your hygrometers for accuracy.
This is done by something called a salt test.
Salt test is pretty simple to do, here is how I do it:
Take a plastic bottle cap and fill it with Kosher salt.
Add just enough water to make a paste.
I use Distilled water, the same water I use for my humidor.
Place to bottle cap in a glass jar or Tupperware container.
(I have heard of people using ziplock bags{doubled} but find it harder that way.
Place your Hygrometer in the container and let sit over night.
Salt gives off an RH of 75%
The next day you look at the reading on your Hygrometer and see how close it is.
Make a note - or + from the 75% mark and your done.
I like to keep my cigars at 63%-64%
I know 70% is recommended in most places, I find it to high & IMHO
My cigars smoke better at 64%
Hope this helps you smoke better tasting cigars!
CC
Here are the instructions, and I'd say once a quarter.
I like the calibration kits. I feel like there's less room for user error. I would try the salt test, and if you feel like you got it, and are confident with it then great. If not pick up the kit for 3 or 4 bucks.
As far as how often you need to recalibrate, I don't, but once in a while I will switch the hygros around and see if they read the same. It's really just a matter of opinion, and what you feel is necessary. I've never really had a need to recalibrate so far. I would just keep an eye on your RH, and how your sticks look/feel/taste and if you feel like the hygro is not reading right then recalibrate.
Comments
Here are the instructions, and I'd say once a quarter.
As far as how often you need to recalibrate, I don't, but once in a while I will switch the hygros around and see if they read the same. It's really just a matter of opinion, and what you feel is necessary. I've never really had a need to recalibrate so far. I would just keep an eye on your RH, and how your sticks look/feel/taste and if you feel like the hygro is not reading right then recalibrate.