You’re not imagining it.
You didn’t spill Cheeto dust or paint.
And no, your washing machine isn’t haunted.
But there it is again—that weird orange or yellow splotch on your favorite towel.
Not a drip. Not a smudge.
It looks almost highlighted, like someone went rogue with a marker.
You wash it. You bleach it. You scrub it.
And the stain? It doesn’t budge.
Frustrating? Absolutely.
Mysterious? At first.
But here’s the good news:
There’s usually a logical—and fixable—reason behind those stubborn orange marks.
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Chocolate
Pie
pie
Sugar
Bread
Let’s uncover the real culprits (and how to protect your towels before more turn into “pumpkin spice” decor).
If you use acne treatments, this one might hit close to home.
Benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in many face washes, spot treatments, and medicated cleansers, is a powerful oxidizing agent—which means it doesn’t just fight bacteria.
It bleaches fabric.
And that “orange-yellow” stain you’re seeing?
It’s not dirt.
It’s bleached cotton.
Here’s what happens:
You wash your face with benzoyl peroxide (even “gentle” formulas).
You pat dry with your towel.
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