How to Prevent Orange Towel Stains for Good

1. Switch to White Towels if You Use Acne or Tanning Products

Hotels use white towels for a reason:
You can bleach them without worry, and peroxide-based stains aren’t noticeable.

2. Install a Water Filter or Water Softener

If iron in your water is the culprit:

• A whole-house water softener

• A point-of-entry iron filter

• A showerhead filter

Any of these can drastically reduce staining.

3. Rinse Off Acne Products Before Using Towels

If you use benzoyl peroxide:

• Fully rinse hands and face before drying

• Use a designated white “acne towel”

• Switch to towels labeled benzoyl peroxide–safe (often 100% polyester)

4. Remove Makeup Before Showering

This prevents pigments from transferring to towels while your pores are open and your skin is damp.

5. Stop Drying Stained Towels Until Treated

Heat seals stains permanently.
If you spot an orange smudge:

• Treat before washing

• Let towels air-dry until the stain is gone

How to Remove Existing Orange Stains

1. For Iron Stains (Hard Water):

Use a rust remover made for laundry, such as:

• Oxalic acid–based removers

• Commercial rust and iron treatments

Never mix these with bleach.

2. For Benzoyl Peroxide or Bleaching Stains:

Unfortunately, bleach-type staining can’t be restored—once the fibers are oxidized, the color is permanently altered.
The best option: re-dye the towel or repurpose it as a cleaning cloth.

3. For Makeup or Tanning Stains:

Try:

• Oxygen bleach soak

• Enzyme stain removers

• A baking soda + dish soap paste

These work best before drying.

Final Thoughts

Orange stains on towels are annoying, but they’re not mysterious. Whether they’re caused by hard water minerals, acne treatments, makeup, or rust, each has a clear fix. Once you identify your culprit, you can take simple steps to prevent stains—and finally keep your towels looking clean, fresh, and stain-free.