Why Your Towels Are Turning Orange: Identifying and Removing Rust-Colored Stains

Persistent orange or rust-colored marks on your towels—particularly around the borders or in moist spots—are almost certainly triggered by one of two culprits: iron-oxidizing bacteria in your water supply or chemical reactions between sunscreen residues and minerals. Because these stains are the result of chemical processes rather than simple dirt or mildew, standard laundry cycles usually fail to eliminate them.

Here is a breakdown of what is happening and the best methods to restore your towels.