Why Your Towels Get Orange Stains That Won’t Wash Out (And How to Stop Them)

🔥 The #1 Culprit: Benzoyl Peroxide (Yes, Your Acne Wash)

If you use acne treatments, this one might hit close to home.

Benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in many face washes, spot treatments, and medicated cleansers, is a powerful oxidizing agent—which means it doesn’t just fight bacteria.

👉 It bleaches fabric.

And that “orange-yellow” stain you’re seeing?

It’s not dirt.

It’s bleached cotton.

Here’s what happens:

You wash your face with benzoyl peroxide (even “gentle” formulas).

You pat dry with your towel.

Tiny traces of the chemical remain on your skin—and transfer to the towel.

Over time, repeated exposure removes dye from the fibers.

Result: A permanent, sunburst-like bleach mark—often yellowish-orange, especially on grey, black, or navy towels.

💡 Fun fact: The orange tint comes from how light reflects off the damaged fibers—not an added color.

✅ What You Can Do: