To remove semen stains, scrape off the excess and wash the fabric as soon as possible with an enzyme-based laundry detergent in cold water. Don’t use hot water, since high temperatures can cause the stain to set permanently.
Last night was hot, wet, wild, and steamy. But if you’re reading this, chances are it was messy too. Washing your clothes and sheets after doing the deed is essential—however, there’s one bodily fluid that needs special attention during your post-coital cleanup: semen. Let’s start with a quick biology lesson.
Semen contains proteins that easily bind to fabric, causing crusty white or yellowish stains if you let them sit for too long. Speaking of blasting...your first instinct might be to blast your garment with hot water, but that’s a big mistake. High temperatures can coagulate the proteins in semen and “bake” it into the fabric, potentially causing a permanent stain.
Even if you’re with the love of your life, you don’t want that love juice on display for everyone to see. Lucky for you, we made this ultimate guide to getting semen stains out of clothes and sheets.
How to Remove Semen Stains from Clothes
Maybe somebody finished before you had a chance to rip all your clothes off. Or maybe someone misfired and splashed a nearby pair of pants, boxers, or lingerie. Either way, it’s important to wash those clothes ASAP so the stains don’t set.
Follow these 5 steps to remove semen stains from clothes:
1. Scrape Off the Excess
Using the edge of a spoon or another dull object, gently scrape off any excess semen from the affected area without smearing it around.
2. Cold Water Rinse
Rinse the stained area under cold, running water. Avoid warm water, as it can cause the protein in semen to coagulate and make the stain harder to remove. Don’t worry about germs or bacteria—your laundry pods will handle those later.
3. Pre-Treat the Stain
Apply a small amount of mild dish soap directly to the stain, then gently rub the fabric together to work in the soap. This gives you a head start for lifting the stain, so your washing machine can finish the job more effectively.
4. Soak in Cold Water
Fill a basin or sink with cool water and let the garment soak for at least 30 minutes. If the stain lingers, you can add a bit of salt or enzyme-based stain remover to the water. Pro tip: Always read your garment’s care label before using a stain remover to be 100% sure your fabric can handle it.
5. Wash with Detergent
After soaking, machine-wash the garment with cold water and a biological laundry detergent pod. Bio detergents like Laundry Sauce are enriched with enzymes that break down the peptide bonds in proteins to remove tough stains.
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How to Remove Semen Stains from Sheets
It’s fun to get freaky in the sheets…until someone busts on your sheets. Luckily, semen stains are pretty simple to remove from bed sheets and pillowcases. Just follow these 5 steps after you finish between the sheets.
1. Wipe Away the Excess
If the crime scene is still wet, dab the stain with a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much as possible. If it has dried, scrape off any excess with a soft brush or dull knife.
2. Cold Water Rinse
Run cold water through the back of the stain to push out the remaining residue. Remember to avoid hot water, since heat can cause protein stains to set.
3. Pre-Treat with a Stain Remover
If the care label on your bed sheets permits, apply a small amount of a stain remover directly to the affected area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, following the product's instructions.
4. Soak in Cold Water
Fill a basin or tub with cold water and soak your bedsheet for at least 30 minutes. If the stain won’t go away, add a bit of salt or enzyme-based stain remover to the water.
5. Machine Wash
To finish the job, wash your bedsheets in cold water with an enzyme-based laundry detergent pod, like Laundry Sauce. Always check the stain before tossing your sheets in the dryer—the heat during the dry cycle can bake stains into your sheets.
Pro tip: Check out this ultimate guide to washing bedsheets.
Common Questions About Removing Semen Stains
We’ll take a wild guess your parents never taught how to handle semen stains. Luckily, the Sauce Boss is here to answer all your questions about this sticky situation.
Can You Use Bleach on Semen Stains?
Bleach is not recommended for treating semen stains. Bleach products like Clorox have strong oxidizing agents that can cause proteins in semen to coagulate and bond with the fabric fibers, making the stain even harder to eliminate.
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Semen Stains?
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to spot-clean semen stains on white or colorfast fabrics. However, you have to take some precautions. Before applying hydrogen peroxide to your clothes, do a spot test in an inconspicuous area (like the inner seam) to make sure it won’t fade or damage the fabric. It’s also essential to rinse the area with cold water after applying hydrogen peroxide to prevent staining.
Are Semen Stains Permanent?
Semen stains are rarely permanent, especially if you act fast and use the proper cleaning methods. Semen stains can become harder to remove if left untreated, so do a quick inspection each time you finish the deed to ensure you don’t leave any evidence behind.
If a semen stain won’t come out or you’re unsure whether your garment is machine-washable, you may want to make a trip to a dry cleaner.
Laundry Day Just Got Way Sexier
When you use Laundry Sauce, the bedroom isn’t the only place where things get hot and heavy. Our premium laundry pods are infused with seductive fragrances that’ll make you smell downright irresistible.
Whether you’re in the mood for something dark and exotic like Australian Sandalwood or crisp and soothing like Indonesian Patchouli, there’s a good chance you’ll need to read this article again soon…if you catch our drift.
