Orange stains on towels are usually not dirt, but rather bleach damage. Cosmetic ingredients permanently destroy the fabric’s color pigments, resulting in the typical orange-red or yellowish patches on dark or brightly colored towels.

The Main Causes

Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO): The most common culprit. BPO is a powerful oxidizing agent found in anti-acne creams, acne washes, and ointments. It acts like a bleach on textile fibers.

Fruit Acids & Active Ingredients: Ingredients such as salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA), vitamin C, or retinol in skincare products can also damage colors.

Toothpaste & Household Chemicals: Bleaching ingredients in toothpaste or residues from disinfectants and cleaning agents often lead to stains as well.

Can the stains be washed out?

No. Since the color has been bleached out of the fibers and there is no dirt on the fabric, normal washing, stain removers, or stain remover won’t help.

How to save your towels

Re-dye: Wash the towel in the washing machine with a suitable fabric dye to replenish the bleached areas with pigment.

Bleach completely: If it’s a light-colored towel, you can bleach it completely to achieve a uniform white.

Repurpose as a facial tissue: Continue using the affected towel specifically for your evening skincare routine to protect other textiles.

How to prevent new stains

Use white towels: Use only white towels for facial care. Where there are no color pigments, nothing can fade.

Wash your hands thoroughly: Rinse your hands thoroughly after applying skincare products before touching a towel.
Allow absorption time: Allow creams and serums to be fully absorbed into the skin before drying your face.