Short answer
Use cold water, never hot, because semen is protein-based and heat can set it. Blot, then treat lightly with an enzyme cleaner and blot again. For dried or yellowed marks, our cleaning includes enzyme treatment, and our technicians treat every stain discreetly and professionally.
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Regular price $249, Fall 2026 promotion price $199first mattress, any size · Fall 2026 promotion
HEPA vacuuming, enzyme treatment for organic odor, dry vapor steam and UV-C. We recommend cleaning twice a year.
Semen is a protein stain, in the same family as blood and sweat. Like blood, heat can set it (why heat sets protein stains). Our technicians see every kind of stain and treat every one discreetly.
What to do right away
- Blot, don't rub. Press a dry white cloth on the spot to lift what's still on the surface.
- Cold water only, on a barely damp cloth.
- Enzyme cleaner, applied lightly, then blotted (which enzyme for which stain).
- Wash the bedding and protector in cold.
What not to do
Don't use hot water, a steam iron or a hair dryer on a fresh protein stain. For the general rules, see DIY mattress cleaning mistakes and the stain chemistry hub.
Where to read next
Stains are included
This section is our view. Every Sleep Sanitation visit includes stain treatment at no extra charge. We start with an inspection to identify the stain family, then HEPA vacuuming, enzyme treatment on organic stains and odor, targeted spotting, low-moisture dry vapor steam from our Italian-made Vapor Clean machines, UV-C light treatment and a moisture check before we leave. The first mattress is $199 Fall 2026 special (regularly $249), any size. Each additional king is $199, each full or queen is $179, and underside treatment is +$50–$75. We recommend cleaning every mattress twice a year. Take the 60-second mattress quiz or schedule your cleaning. Call or text (402) 512-5658, or email info@sleepsanitation.com.
Changelog
- 24 October 2026: First published. Sources accessed on this date.