Why Towels Get Mysterious Orange Stains

I first noticed a neon-orange blotch on my favorite towel and

assumed it was rust. Washing didn’t help, and soon more

towels were ruined. If you’ve seen stubborn orange spots on towels,

pillowcases, or shirts, the causes are surprisingly common.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide
The biggest culprit is benzoyl peroxide, found in acne creams and cleansers. It doesn’t leave a normal

stain but bleaches dye, leaving orange or yellowish patches.

Once fibers are stripped, the color can’t be restored.

2. Rust in Water

Iron-rich or well water can leave rusty freckles on fabric.

The solution is a rust-removing laundry additive that binds iron before it sets.

3. Hair Products and Self-Tanners

Pigments in shampoos, dyes, and self-tanners can transfer to towels, even after products seem dry.

4. Cleaning Products

Bleach and hydrogen peroxide in sprays or wipes can leave

bleach spots if you dry your hands on towels afterward.

Prevention: Use white towels for skincare, let products dry, filter water, and keep separate hair towels.

Fixes: Benzoyl peroxide and bleach stains are permanent;

dye or repurpose the towel. Rust stains may lift with fabric-safe removers.