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.This is especially important with colored towels.
A cleaner that removes a stain can sometimes also affect the fabric’s original color.
Don’t Scrub Too Aggressively
It can be tempting to attack a stubborn stain with a rough brush.
But excessive scrubbing can damage cotton fibers and make the affected area look worse.
Instead, allow an appropriate stain remover to work according to its instructions before gently washing the towel.
How to Prevent the Stains From Coming Back
Removing the stain is only half the solution.
If the underlying cause remains, the orange marks may return.
Check Your Water
If you repeatedly see rusty discoloration on laundry, consider whether your household water contains elevated iron or other minerals.
A water-quality test can help determine whether the water is contributing to the problem.
Keep the Washing Machine Clean
Residue can accumulate inside a washing machine over time.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and periodically inspect areas where detergent or fabric softener may accumulate.
Be Careful With Personal-Care Products
Give skincare and hair products enough time to absorb or dry before using white towels.
If a particular product repeatedly causes discoloration, using an older or darker towel with it may help protect your lighter towels.Don’t Leave Wet Towels Sitting Around
After using a towel, hang it up so it can dry properly.
Leaving damp towels crumpled in a warm environment encourages unpleasant odors and can make laundry problems more difficult to manage.
What If the Stain Won’t Come Out?
Sometimes a stain becomes permanent.
Repeated washing, heat, chemical exposure, and aging can cause discoloration to become deeply embedded in the fibers.
If you’ve identified the cause and treated the towel appropriately but the mark remains, replacing the towel may ultimately be easier than continuing to use increasingly aggressive chemicals.
The Bottom Line
Orange stains on towels can be frustrating, especially when they survive wash after wash.
But the stain itself may be giving you a clue.
Rusty water, iron deposits, plumbing, washing-machine residue, and certain personal-care products can all contribute to unusual discoloration.
Instead of simply adding more detergent or bleach, try to identify the source first.
