Temperature and Humidity Red Lines for Agarwood Preservation and Meiyu Season Countermeasures: An Industry Guide

The key to agarwood preservation is keeping humidity at 45%-65%RH and temperature at 18-25℃, avoiding drastic fluctuations; during the Meiyu season, sealing, dehumidifying, and regular inspection are essential to prevent mold and cracking.

Temperature and Humidity Red Lines: Core Metrics for Agarwood Preservation

Agarwood is a composite of resin and wood fibers, highly sensitive to environmental changes. Industry experience indicates a safe long-term range of 18-25℃ and 45%-65%RH. Temperatures above 30℃ accelerate oil volatilization, weakening the aroma; humidity below 40%RH causes wood fiber dehydration and cracking, while above 70%RH sharply increases mold risk. Note that short-term fluctuations are more dangerous than absolute values—repeated wet-dry cycles cause stress separation between the resinous layer and wood. Place a calibrated thermo-hygrometer in storage and record daily. For systematic knowledge of agarwood's physical and chemical properties, see the Agarwood Encyclopedia.

Meiyu Season Risks: Mold, Dampness, and Aroma Loss

During the Meiyu season, humidity often exceeds 80%RH for extended periods, posing high risks. Three main threats: surface mold, as fungal spores multiply rapidly in high humidity, especially on old wood with incomplete cleaning; dampness-induced expansion, causing micro-cracks due to different expansion coefficients between wood and resin; and aroma loss, as some water-soluble aromatic compounds migrate with moisture. Additionally, poorly sealed containers may create a "microclimate" where moisture condenses on the agarwood surface. For high-oil varieties like Kyara, risks are higher; refer to specific preservation advice in the Kyara Pillar Page.

Meiyu Season Countermeasures: Sealing, Dehumidifying, and Inspection

Step 1: Seal and isolate. Place agarwood in food-grade sealed bags or jars with humidity indicator cards, expelling air as much as possible. Step 2: Active dehumidification. Use electronic dehumidifiers or reusable silica gel desiccants in storage cabinets to maintain around 55%RH; avoid chemical insect repellents like camphor, whose odor contaminates agarwood. Step 3: Regular inspection. Open and check weekly; if mold spots appear, remove immediately with a soft brush and air-dry in a cool, ventilated place—never sun-dry or heat-dry. Note that identification and preservation are intertwined, as mold or cracks directly affect value; for related appraisal points, consult the Identification Pillar Page. For old or excavated agarwood, combine traditional experience from Chinese Fragrance Studies · Agarwood Identification to develop personalized preservation plans.

Auxiliary Points for Long-Term Preservation

Beyond temperature and humidity, avoid light, odors, and pressure. UV light accelerates oil oxidation, so store agarwood in dark containers or light-proof cabinets; keep away from perfume, cooking fumes, and other odor sources to prevent contamination; use acid-free tissue paper between stacked pieces to avoid physical damage. For long-term sealing, fill containers with nitrogen or use oxygen absorbers to further reduce oxidation risk. Regularly record weight changes to help detect dampness or oil volatilization.

(This is industry observation and popular-science summary, not investment advice. Buy agarwood through legal channels with traceable, testable sources.)