3. Skincare and Hair Products
Another possibility is something you’re putting on your body.
Some skincare products, acne treatments, hair products, and cosmetics can react with fabric or cleaning products and cause discoloration.
This is one reason a towel can develop mysterious stains even when your washing machine is working normally.
If the stains tend to appear where the towel touches your face, hair, or skin, consider whether a personal-care product could be responsible.
4. Chlorine Bleach Can Make Some Stains Worse
Bleach may seem like the obvious solution for a stained white towel.
But it isn’t always the best choice.
Certain substances can react with chlorine bleach and produce additional discoloration. Bleach can also damage fibers when used incorrectly or too frequently.
Never mix bleach with vinegar, acids, ammonia, or other cleaning products.
How to Remove Orange Stains
The right treatment depends on the cause.
If you suspect mineral or rust staining, a product specifically designed to remove rust from washable fabrics may be more appropriate than ordinary chlorine bleach.
Always read the product label first and check whether it is safe for the particular fabric.
Try a Small Area First
Before treating the entire towel, test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous area.