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.