The Truth About Orange Stains on Towels That Stay Put

Can You Fix the Damage?

If the mark comes from benzoyl peroxide or bleach, it’s permanent. Your options:

  • Dye the entire towel a darker color.

  • Repurpose it as a cleaning or hair towel.

  • Bleach the whole towel for a uniform look.

Rust stains are trickier but possible to remove with fabric-safe rust removers. I’ve saved a few pillowcases this way.

Spotting the Difference

  • Chemical bleaching leaves large, irregular patches where hands or face touch.

  • Mineral staining appears as small, scattered dots.

Can You Fix the Damage?

If the mark comes from benzoyl peroxide or bleach, it’s permanent. Your options:

  • Dye the entire towel a darker color.

  • Repurpose it as a cleaning or hair towel.

  • Bleach the whole towel for a uniform look.

Rust stains are trickier but possible to remove with fabric-safe rust removers. I’ve saved a few pillowcases this way.

Spotting the Difference

  • Chemical bleaching leaves large, irregular patches where hands or face touch.

  • Mineral staining appears as small, scattered dots.