Does Semen Stain? Here’s How to Remove Them

Life gives us all sorts of messes to clean up and tend to. So it should come as no surprise that a healthy sex life may result in some unwanted stains on furniture and clothing. 

Semen is a protein stain. It may look transparent to slightly opaque at first, but once it dries out, semen stains can turn a bit yellowish. It's important to use cold water because higher temperatures can coagulate the protein in semen and set it into the fabric fibers, causing a permanent stain.

This is nothing to be ashamed of, but, it is probably within your best interest to deal with the evidence of sexual escapades swiftly to prevent any embarrassment or scrutiny from roommates, family, or house guests. 

Does Sperm Even Stain? 

Yes, sperm does stain. Semen is a protein stain, though there are other ingredients in there. Although the appearance of the stains may look more or less noticeable depending on the material and the color. 

Since semen is mostly water, plasma, and mucus, it is a highly absorbable fluid. Semen stains are highly variable as semen can contain fluids such as urine or color change based on diet and hydration.

With any climactic sexual experience, you should be fully prepared to tend to the mess it may leave behind. 

Quick Tips for Cum Removal

If semen has landed on something that can't be easily thrown in the washing machine, then you can treat it by hand. Here are some tips to remove it quickly so the semen doesn’t stain.

1. Don’t Panic 

The best way to both keep a cool head and destigmatize your relationship to natural bodily fluids is to simply accept them for what they are. Don’t throw soiled linens or clothes in the laundry because you’re panicked or embarrassed, as it gives the semen time to dry and set into the fabric, making it a more stubborn stain. 

Perhaps, you might impulsively attack the stain with warm or hot water thinking it may be more effective, but this will only worsen the situation. Warm water will only cause semen to thicken and coagulate, making it stickier and harder to remove. Use cold water instead to deal with semen stain.

2. Don’t Let It Absorb

Get as much semen off of the surface as possible. Use a dry paper towel (or, if you’re okay with viscous bodily fluids, your hand) and get as much coagulated matter off the surface as possible.

What will remain will be a darkened wet spot that may seem indiscernible. However, there are still proteins in the remaining semen that will cause the cum to harden and stain. 

3. Time to Clean 

Get yourself a soft sponge, a small amount of liquid detergent, and a glass of cold water.

Scrub over the cum-stained area with sponge and water at first to wet and loosen any semen that may have coagulated and hardened against the fabric. Apply a small amount of liquid detergent and repeat the same action. Go over the area again with the sponge and water until there is no longer any soapy residue. 

In most cases, if you have responded quickly to the sperm spillage, this should be enough to rid your bedsheets or clothing of any residual evidence of your most recent sexual catharsis.

However, if the amount is ample or the urine concentration in the cum is higher than usual, you may want to go over the stain again with a few dabs of dish soap. 

Dish soap breaks down sturdy, unctuous stains and grime and will do the trick in lifting any tougher-than-usual cum stains. Add as much as is necessary to a damp sponge or washcloth (a little goes a long way) and scrub the affected area until it appears clean. 

Removing Semen Stains From Other Fabrics

So far we’ve only covered how to handle semen on bedsheets and clothing which, in a worst-case scenario, you can just toss in the wash, but an ejaculation can feasibly occur anywhere so here are some tips for the less convenient surprises life throws our way. 

1. Removing Semen Stains From Upholstery

Cars are popular locations to turn a little more amorous, but what do you do when you leave for work the next morning and see the evidence of your hot date all over the back seat? 

Not all upholstery is created equal. Surfaces like leather and vinyl are a lot simpler to deal with since they are treated and non-absorbent. A wet sponge or washcloth (remember: cold water) will do the trick. 

Absorbent fabrics can be trickier, especially if the semen has had a chance to sit overnight. Spot the stain with cold water and then apply a mild soap. Reapply water until it is clear of residue and then let it air dry. 

In the instance you had an all-night pleasure session on the couch or a comfy chair and made a bigger mess than you bargained for, some reliable upholstery cleaners can be your best friend.

You may already have some lying around the house, especially if you have pets. A good stock of these products can save you from the embarrassment of having to hire a professional to clean up your dirty work. 

2. Removing Semen Stains From Carpets and Rugs

Sometimes we may find ourselves doing our business on the floor. If you have carpet or a rug, this can make clean-up a little more arduous than hardwood. Just like with your bedsheets, detergent is going to be your best friend. Blot the area with cold water and apply the detergent. 

Depending on the thickness of the carpet or the weave of the rug, you may need to scrub a little bit harder to ensure the cum isn’t drying deeper into the fibers. You also want to make sure you are using enough water to lift the cum from the fabric and not simply spread it. 

Once you feel confident you have gotten the semen out, do a final wash with cold water and let the air dry. 

3. Removing Semen Stains From Mattresses 

This is a moment where a mattress protector would come in handy, but if you have yet to make that investment and strip your mattress to find that the result of all of your dalliances have been seeping through the bedsheets, it’s not the end of the world. 

A good enzyme cleaner can fix your problem in a jiffy. Usually, enzyme cleaners are marketed for pet stains, but, just like those upholstery cleaners, they work great against people stains too. This is because enzyme cleaners are designed to clean and clean protein stains.

Simply apply the enzyme cleaner to the grimey area(s) and wipe clean with a wet sponge or washcloth. You can then either let the area air dry or dry it with paper towels. 

Conclusion 

All in all, a little cum stain is a small and manageable issue. Still, it is good to always be prepared for life’s little messes. Consider keeping your preferred supply of cleaning solutions in proximity to where you know you might get busy and maybe feel a little more at ease about where the night might go.

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