A blacklight, also known as a Wood’s lamp or UV-A light, shines ultraviolet light over a given surface. [2] X Research source Keep in mind that a blacklight isn’t a 100% conclusive way of identifying sperm stains. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Bodily fluids like urine and blood also look bright beneath a blacklight. [4] X Research source
This DIY trick is much more useful than a blacklight phone app. While these apps simulate a blacklight, they don’t actually mimic the effects of one.
You can also use an at-home Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to narrow down your results, but this isn’t totally conclusive, either. If you’re really curious about the stain’s contents, send a fabric sample to a private laboratory for testing.
Dried sperm stains might feel a little crusty, as well. [9] X Research source
Wool and silk: Soak the garment or sheet in a mixture of water and delicate detergent before sticking it in the washer or hand-washing it. Carpet: Dab over the stain with a detergent-soaked sponge. Then, go over the surface with a clean sponge and blot the carpeting dry with paper towels. Mattresses: Go over the semen stain with a moist sponge and an upholstery-grade stain remover. Then, blot away any leftover cleaner with a sponge. Dry off the spot-treated section of the mattress with several paper towels. Upholstery: Dab at and soak up the stain with a wet cloth. If the sperm stain still doesn’t go away, spritz over the area with an upholstery cleaner. Then, dry off the surface with paper towels. [10] X Research source
Opt for a biological detergent when you’re washing the fabric. If the item is made of silk or wool, soak it in a mixture of water and delicate detergent. Then, stick it in the washer or hand-wash it as usual.