Why Your Towels Develop Orange Stains That Don’t Come Out

The main reason for these orange marks is a chemical called benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient. You’ll find it in popular over-the-counter products like PanOxyl, Clearasil, Neutrogena, and many prescription creams.

While it’s excellent for clearing skin, benzoyl peroxide is also a powerful oxidizer, working similarly to liquid bleach. When it comes into contact with fabric, it doesn’t create a traditional “stain”—instead, it removes the dye from the fibers.

Why the Spots Turn Orange

On dark-colored towels—navy, charcoal, black—the bleaching effect often leaves bright orange, yellow, or pinkish marks. These are the underlying base colors of the fabric, revealed after the darker pigments are stripped away.

A quick way to tell the difference: lighter spots than the rest of the towel are bleach marks, while darker spots are regular stains.

Why They Won’t Wash Out

Once the dye is gone, there’s no way to restore it. No scrubbing, detergent, or special product will bring the original color back. Washing the towels with other laundry can sometimes spread residual benzoyl peroxide, causing new damage.

Other Possible Causes

While benzoyl peroxide is responsible about 95% of the time, a couple of other factors can produce similar marks:

• Rust in Water: Old pipes or iron-rich well water can leave reddish-brown streaks on laundry, often affecting all items, not just face towels.
• Serratia Marcescens: A type of bacteria that grows in damp bathrooms, leaving pink or orange slimy patches. Unlike bleach damage, this can usually be cleaned off with disinfectant or bleach.

How to Protect Your Towels

You don’t need to stop using acne treatments to save your linens. Try these tips:

• Use Designated Towels: Keep 2–3 white towels specifically for your face. White towels won’t show bleach marks.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your face and hands for at least 30 seconds after applying acne treatments to remove any leftover residue.
• Check Ingredients: Consider products with salicylic acid, which treat acne without bleaching fabrics.
• Stick to White Linens: Many users switch entirely to white towels—this prevents damage and gives your bathroom a clean, spa-like look.

What to Do With Damaged Towels

Since bleach marks can’t be reversed, the best option is to repurpose them: use as cleaning rags, gym towels, or for car detailing.

With a few small changes to your routine, you can finally solve the mystery of those orange “ghost spots” and keep your towels—and your bathroom—looking perfect.