Why is it ORANGE?
You might wonder why it turns orange instead of white like regular bleach. Most towel dyes are a combination of different colors. Blue and grey dyes are often the first to be stripped away by oxidizing agents, leaving behind the more stubborn yellow and red base pigments. When only the red and yellow remain, the spot looks bright orange or peach.
Other Surprising Culprits
If you don’t use acne medication, check your cabinets for these:
- Retinol/Anti-Aging Products: Some high-strength Vitamin A derivatives can cause similar discoloration.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Many contain peroxide that can drip onto towels or washcloths.
- Certain Sunscreens: Some chemical sunscreens contain Avobenzone, which reacts with iron in the water to create a rust-colored (orange) stain.
