The Truth About /Orange Stains on Towels That Stay Put
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Orange stains on towels that refuse to wash out can be frustrating, especially when you’ve tried every cleaning trick in the book. The truth is, these stubborn marks are often caused by a combination of factors — and understanding them is the first step to getting rid of them.
One of the most common culprits is iron or rust in your water supply. If your home has high iron content in the water (often from well water or old plumbing), the minerals can bind to the fabric fibers, leaving behind orange or rusty discoloration. These stains often become more visible after washing, as heat from the dryer can set them permanently.
Another cause is certain skincare or haircare products, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient in acne treatments. When benzoyl peroxide comes into contact with fabric, it can oxidize and create orange or yellowish stains that are incredibly resistant to removal. Sunscreens and self-tanning lotions can also cause similar discoloration.
In some cases, laundry habits play a role. Overusing detergent or fabric softener can lead to residue buildup, which traps minerals and other staining agents in the fibers. Hard water makes this problem worse, as soap scum bonds with the minerals, creating a perfect environment for stains to set.
Unfortunately, once these stains have set, they can be very difficult to remove completely. For iron-related stains, a rust remover that’s safe for fabrics can sometimes help. For product-related discoloration, pretreating the affected area with an oxygen-based cleaner before washing may lighten the mark, but it might not vanish entirely.
The best approach is prevention: use filtered water if possible, rinse off skincare products before using towels, and wash them promptly after exposure to any staining agents. Avoid high heat drying until you’re sure the stain is gone.
Orange stains on towels may be stubborn, but with a little detective work, you can figure out the cause and stop them from showing up in the first place.
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