Danbell..I used to separate the reeds with tooth picks, pcs. of plastic, etc. and ruined some calls with Listerine...I've since stopped separating the reeds and keep calls in air tight snuff size containers with a small amount of scope poured on a pc of foam or slice of sponge. I rinse them off after every use in warm water letting the water separate the reeds and rinse. Then put back in container and into fridge until time to use again. Keeping the calls cool and moist will help keep the reeds from sticking..if they do stick..just put in mouth and get some saliva between the reeds and you're good to go.