The first time I noticed it, a strange neon-orange blotch appeared on my favorite grey towel. Washing didn’t help,
and soon more towels were marked, as if attacked by a “pumpkin spice poltergeist.” The main culprit? Benzoyl peroxide
in acne products. It doesn’t stain — it bleaches fabric dye, leaving permanent orange or yellow patches where skin or hands touch.
Other causes include:
Rust/Iron in water – Common in well water, leaving tiny rusty freckles. A rust-removing laundry additive can prevent this.
Hair products & self-tanners – Pigments transfer from hair or skin when drying.
Bleach in cleaning products – Hidden in sprays and wipes; touching towels after use can create spots.
Prevention tips:
Use white towels for face care.
Let products dry before using towels.
Use filtered water or rust remover.
Keep old towels for hair or cleaning tasks.
Fixes: Benzoyl peroxide and bleach damage is permanent — dye, bleach entirely, or repurpose the towel. Rust stains can sometimes be removed.
Chemical bleaching leaves large irregular patches; mineral stains are small dots. Identifying the pattern helps stop future damage and keep towels fresh longer.
