Finding orange, pink, or rust-colored marks on freshly washed towels can be frustrating. These discolorations are not always ordinary stains. They can be caused by skincare products, minerals in the water, or even bacteria that thrive when damp towels are left in warm, humid bathrooms.

One common culprit is benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient found in many acne treatments. It can act as a bleaching agent and remove the original dye from colored towels, leaving behind orange, yellow, or pink patches. Once the fabric has been chemically bleached, washing cannot restore its original color. White towels may be a better choice if you regularly use products containing benzoyl peroxide.

Hard water can create another problem. Water containing iron or manganese may leave orange or brown deposits on fabrics over time. If you also notice similar discoloration around sinks, showers, or toilets, minerals may be responsible. Sunscreen and other personal-care products can sometimes contribute to buildup when they react with minerals in the water.

Damp towels can also develop pink or orange discoloration when bacteria multiply in warm, poorly ventilated spaces. Leaving wet towels in piles or on the floor makes the problem more likely. A musty smell or discoloration that gradually spreads may indicate that moisture and bacteria are involved.

The best approach is to identify the cause before treating the towel. Keep towels dry and well ventilated, rinse skincare products thoroughly from your skin, and consider testing your water if mineral buildup is common. Depending on the cause, vinegar, citric acid, oxygen bleach, or a thorough hot wash may help. However, if benzoyl peroxide has permanently removed the towel’s dye, the original color cannot be restored.