Let’s just say, solely for the sake of conversation, that you’ve given up any and all personal hygiene practices. No reason — we’ll call it a social experiment. No brushing your teeth. No combing your hair. No showers. No deodorant. Nothing.
A week — maybe two — goes by, and you start to notice you’re spending a lot of time alone. Even the cat leaves the room when you walk in. Essentially (and how do I put this nicely?) you’re a mess. Why? It’s due to a total lack of maintenance, and in your case, personal maintenance.
Same with your automobile. Neglect the oil and bad things are going to happen. It’s the same story whether it’s your hot water heater, your checking account or something as simple as your everyday reading glasses. Maintain them, and they’ll function as intended and last a whole lot longer. Neglect them, and they’ll let you down … usually at the worst possible time.
Turkey calls are no different. Sure they’re simple pieces of equipment, but even simple pieces of equipment need periodic maintenance to ensure they perform to their fullest potential. This month, Slayer Calls takes an in-depth look at turkey call maintenance. We’ve already discussed why it should be done — see above! — now it’s on to the how portion of the equation.
A turkey mouth call is an essential tool for any turkey hunter Producing realistic turkey sounds to draw in wary gobblers requires a properly tuned call. However, repeated use can cause buildup of residue, affecting the reeds and compromising the sound That’s why proper cleaning and maintenance is critical.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key steps and best practices for keeping your turkey mouth call sounding its best.
Why Cleaning is Crucial
Cleaning a turkey mouth call regularly prevents bacteria buildup that can lead to illness. Saliva, food debris, and other residue can harbor germs that multiply rapidly if left unchecked. Thorough cleaning eliminates this potentially hazardous bacteria.
Additionally, removing gunk safeguards the call’s sound. Debris can impede the reeds from vibrating freely muffling and distorting the sound. Cleaning removes any gunk clogging the reeds.
Further, cleaning extends the call’s lifespan. Buildup of saliva and dirt causes the latex reeds to deteriorate prematurely. Proper care keeps them intact longer, saving you money.
Suggested Cleaning Tools
Having the right gear makes cleaning easier and more effective. Here are some recommended items:
- Mild, eco-friendly soap
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
- Clean cloths or paper towels
- Disinfectant mouthwash (non-alcohol)
- Containers for soaking
- Wood or plastic picks
- Storage cases or bags
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow these simple steps for optimal results:
1. Disassemble the Call
Take the call apart into individual components. This allows for thorough cleaning of every piece.
2. Soak in Mouthwash and Water
Create a bath of half mouthwash and half warm water. Soak the disassembled call for 5-10 minutes. This loosens residue.
3. Gently Scrub
Use a soft brush to gently scrub each part, especially the reeds and frame corners. Avoid abrasives that could harm the latex.
4. Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to eliminate all soap. Ensure no residue remains.
5. Dry
Pat dry with a clean cloth. Allow all parts to completely air dry before reassembling. Never put away wet.
6. Disinfect Weekly
Once a week, do an extended soak in mouthwash bath to kill bacteria. Rinse and dry as normal.
7. Store Properly
Keep the call in a sealed container in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator. Never leave in a hot vehicle.
8. Inspect Reeds
Periodically inspect the reeds for tears, stiffness, or distortion. Damaged reeds greatly reduce sound quality.
Helpful Cleaning Tips
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Alternate calls if possible, letting used ones dry out completely between uses.
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Change out wet cloths/paper towels in storage cases regularly.
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Discard calls with severely damaged or warped reeds for optimal sound production.
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Allow cleaned calls to dry overnight or longer if needed before using. Rushing can warp reeds.
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Clean your hands thoroughly before handling cleaned calls to avoid transferring dirt and oils.
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Use plastic picks to separate stuck reeds. Avoid over-picking as it can weaken reeds.
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Gently brush debris off reeds instead of picking when possible.
Signs Your Call Needs Cleaning
Be on the lookout for these signs that it’s time to clean your call:
- Muted, muffled sounds
- Weak, uneven sounds
- Difficulty making certain calls
- Odd vibrations or “buzzing”
- Visible gunk buildup
- Stiff or sticky reeds
- Slimy, smelly, or discolored
- Increased breath required to use
Don’t wait until your call stops working properly. Follow the cleaning steps regularly to maintain optimal sounds.
Disinfecting Calls to Prevent Illness
To prevent getting sick from dirty calls, special disinfecting steps should be taken:
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Monthly: Soak in 1:1 vinegar and water solution for 2 hours to kill bacteria.
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When ill: Soak in antibacterial mouthwash before use.
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After illness: Soak in hydrogen peroxide to sanitize.
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Rotate calls: Use a different one each day and allow to dry.
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Replace often: Throw out calls after heavy use.
Follow these best practices, and your coveted mouth call will stay sounding great season after season. Don’t risk your health or your hunt with a dirty call. A few minutes of care will maintain the lifelike sounds that lure in spring gobblers.
Turkey Mouth Call FAQs
How do you clean a Primos mouth call?
Disassemble the call completely, soak it in a 50/50 mixture of mouthwash and warm water for 10 minutes, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, gently dry with a soft cloth, and store in an airtight container in a cool location.
How do you clean a diaphragm mouth call?
Take it apart into the frame and latex reeds. Soak the pieces in mouthwash and warm water, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, pat dry with a clean cloth, and keep in an airtight case in the refrigerator until the next use.
How do you clean a slate/glass mouth call?
Remove the peg, soak just the slate/glass in warm soapy water for 5 minutes using mild dish soap. Gently scrub with soft brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking wood portions. Treat peg with disinfectant.
How often should you clean turkey mouth calls?
Clean your turkey mouth calls after every use. This prevents buildup that could affect sound. Disinfect weekly with a long mouthwash soak to kill bacteria. Rotate calls between uses.
What is the best way to clean a mouth call?
The best practice is to disassemble completely, soak in a 50/50 mixture of mouthwash and warm water for 5-10 minutes, gently brush all surfaces with a soft bristle brush, rinse away all residue under running water, gently pat dry, and allow to fully air dry before reassembling and storing in an airtight container.
Can you use peroxide to clean a turkey mouth call?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can help sanitize and disinfect a turkey mouth call. Soak the disassembled call for 5-10 minutes in undiluted hydrogen peroxide before rinsing thoroughly with cool clean water. Be sure to rinse away all peroxide, as it can weaken latex reeds with prolonged exposure.
What household items can you use to clean a mouth call?
Use a 50/50 mix of water and mouthwash or vinegar. A soft toothbrush and mild dish soap can scrub away residue. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Hydrogen peroxide can disinfect. Paper towels or soft cloths work for drying. Store in an airtight container.
How do you soften latex reeds on turkey mouth calls?
Saliva naturally softens the latex reeds before use. For initial softening, lick the reeds or soak just the reeds briefly in warm water before gentle use. Avoid over-softening, which can damage reeds. Proper storage between uses maintains some moisture.
Diaphragm turkey call maintenance
There’s really not a whole lot to do with diaphragm (mouth) calls except, that is, for preventative maintenance. That includes keeping them out of the sun and extreme heat — neither of which isn’t at all good for the latex reeds.
After using my diaphragms, I’ll suck the water (i.e., the spit) out from between the reeds (if they’re multi-reed calls) and try to get them as dry as possible. I’ll then put them in a pouch-style holder or, better yet, back into their original hard plastic clamshell case, and store them in the refrigerator until it’s time to head back out.
Some sources say to store your diaphragms in a clean plastic tin containing a thin piece of sponge sprinkled with mouthwash. “Keeps ’em fresh,” they say. Truth is, the alcohol in the mouthwash can degrade the latex and shorten the life of the call itself, despite leaving a cool minty taste in your mouth. Really no decision there.