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Re: Salty reeds

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2009-01-29 15:47

(Disclaimer - I sell humidity control and measurement products - no connection with Rico Vitalizer)
The relaive humidity in the air inside a sealed container can be controlled using saturated salt solutions - the principal behind the Rico Vitalizer packs. A saturated salt solution of common table salt is often used in cigar humidors to keep humidity up but is also a handy tool to use to calibrate hygrometers to 65% RH. Mold will only grow vegetatively (spores are always around) if the RH is greater than 50% so choosing another chemical salt which will achieve a lower RH is good practice if you live in mold prone areas.

I have not tried a salt solution on my reeds but saliva has a significant chemical load including NaCl but at only around 0.9%, also a protein load which increases the water displacement potential by a few percent. I have not seen a great difference in hydrating reeds with plain water or saliva but YMMV.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com

Post Edited (2009-01-29 15:48)

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