The act of sealing an envelope without using saliva is a practice that addresses concerns about hygiene, taste preferences, and potential allergic reactions to envelope adhesives. This method involves employing alternative techniques to moisten and adhere the envelope flap to the body of the envelope, ensuring secure closure. Examples include using a damp sponge, a glue stick, adhesive tape, or a specially designed envelope moistener.
This approach is particularly important in environments prioritizing cleanliness, such as professional settings or during mass mailings. Avoiding saliva reduces the risk of transferring germs and eliminates an unpleasant taste. Historically, concerns about the composition of envelope glue, and individual sensitivities to these components, have also motivated the search for alternative sealing methods.