It depends on the cause:
If it’s a true rust stain:
- Try a commercial rust remover designed for fabrics.
- Avoid chlorine bleach, which can make rust stains worse.
If it’s caused by benzoyl peroxide or bleach:
- The color has been removed from the fabric.
- Washing won’t restore it.
- The only options are fabric dye or replacing the towel.
How to Prevent Future Orange Stains
- Wash acne treatments off your skin thoroughly before drying with a towel.
- Use white towels if you use benzoyl peroxide products.
- Test your home’s water if you suspect iron.
- Avoid chlorine bleach on colored towels.
- Dry towels completely after each use to reduce mineral buildup and mildew.
Final Thoughts
If every towel develops the same orange patch after a few weeks, the most likely culprit is benzoyl peroxide from skincare products or iron in your water. If the affected areas feel normal but are simply lighter in color, the fabric has probably been permanently bleached rather than stained.
If the problem continues, checking your skincare products and testing your water supply are the best first steps to identifying the cause.
