Carolyn, I have tried the saliva method. Yes, it does work. But I have so many to do that I end up having to "wet my whistle" so often that I get too tipsy to finish the job.
My DW has issued the marching orders and I have to use regular water from now on.
However, from time to time, I find a way of utilizing the method you have described in such a way that she doesn't find out.
Have you ever heard of using a mixture of Beer and Tomato Juice to soften up Helmet Heads???