It often starts with a surprise: a bright orange patch on a towel fresh from the dryer. You try rewashing it, soaking it, or treating it with stain remover, but nothing changes. When more towels show the same marks, it’s easy to blame the washing machine, water quality, or the fabric itself. In reality, the explanation is usually much simpler—and not a stain at all.
In many cases, those orange areas are actually spots where the towel’s color has been removed. The most common cause is benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient found in many acne treatments, facial cleansers, and spot creams. While it’s effective for skincare, it also has strong bleaching properties. If a towel comes into contact with skin after a peroxide-based product has been applied—even hours later—the chemical can strip dye from the fabric, leaving a permanent light patch that washing can’t undo.
Other factors can sometimes play a role as well. Iron-heavy water may leave rust-colored marks, usually across multiple items, while hair products, tinted shampoos, or self-tanners can transfer color that only becomes visible after drying. Certain bathroom cleaners also contain bleaching agents, and even a small splash can quietly remove dye from nearby towels without immediate notice.
Once the cause is clear, prevention becomes straightforward. Let skincare products fully absorb before using towels, wash hands after applying acne treatments, and consider using white towels for your face. If marks have already appeared, the fabric is still usable—repurpose towels for cleaning, reserve them for skincare use, or re-dye darker ones. What feels like a laundry mystery is often simple chemistry, and a small change in routine can save both your towels and your patience.