Simply soak in water for 45 seconds and drain excess water. (distilled water is recommended but not necessary) Beads will turn from an opaque white to a clear translucent color. Now the beads are ready to use. Cigar Mechanic will maintain the perfect conditions for your humidor while keeping it mold free. The perfect companion to a new or needing to be revitalized humidor. Cigar Mechanic is the new standard in the humidification world. It is the #1 humidification product refill, and at the same time can be used in its own container and turn anything into a humidor.  Cigar Mechanic maintains perfect humidity using a nano-bead technology that is bi-directional. This means that the product regulates humidity in BOTH directions. It will release humidity when it is dry and needs it, and will not release any when it is not needed, absorbing moisture when it needs to.  This will not swell up in any way and it doesn't turn into a gel.  The only change you will see in the product is that it turns white when it is dry and when it is activated it is a clear color.  It will turn from clear to white by simply adding distilled water and draining the excess. Cigar Mechanic is a refillable product that will last longer than your cigars will.  Cigar mechanic has been privately tested , research has shown that it will last a few years. Features: Durable Polystyrene Molded Plastic Stainless Steel Screen Filled with 30 grams of Humidity Beads Metal, Tape & Magnet for Easy Attachment Capacity: Up to 100 cigars Dimensions (Outside): 3 3/4"L x 2 5/8"W x 11/16"D Best of all, you will be able to actually see when it's time to refill the humidifier.