Dark towels can develop pale orange, yellow, or pink patches because of benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient in acne treatments. The chemical acts like a type of bleach, gradually changing the color of the fabric when it comes into contact with towels. Unlike an ordinary stain sitting on the surface, the damage happens to the fabric’s original dye itself.

Benzoyl peroxide works by permanently oxidizing the dye, stripping away its original color rather than leaving behind something that can simply be washed out. This is why the marks may appear even when a towel has been washed regularly and looks otherwise clean. The affected areas can sometimes be mistaken for rust, cleaning products, or bathroom-related stains.

Unfortunately, once benzoyl peroxide has removed the towel’s dye, ordinary laundry products cannot restore the original color. Detergents, stain removers, and even hot water will not reverse the chemical damage because the color has already been altered. In other words, these patches are not really stains that can be lifted from the fabric.

The easiest way to prevent this problem is to use white towels and washcloths when using benzoyl peroxide products. White fabric may still be affected chemically, but the color change will not be as noticeable. Thoroughly rinsing your face and hands after applying acne treatments can also reduce the chance of transferring the product to dark towels.

If a towel has already developed these pale patches, there is usually no practical way to restore its original appearance. Instead of throwing it away, however, it can be given a second life as a household cleaning cloth. The damage may have ruined its appearance, but the towel can still remain useful.