Towel Stains

Lately some of our darker towels have developed "bleached" areas when I have used them after shaving. So far as I know, I am not using anything with actual bleach in it, just the usual shaving soaps, witch hazel, and aftershaves and balms. I just can't figure out what is discoloring the towels. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, could you identify the problem agent?

Here are some interesting articles:

Bleach Stains on towels

Mystery spots on towels

Whats-bleaching-my-towels-all-splotchy-like

John,

Do you have any teens (or anyone else) in your house that might be using benzoil peroxide for acne, or peroxide-containing products for hair, or the like?

I can't think of any shaving product I've heard of that contains a bleaching agent.

Very strange... most of our towels are darker or have color and I have not noticed any lighter/bleached spots.

I would agree that it seems likely the culprit may not be shaving related as I would be surprised to find any product contained a bleaching agent. Would assume that would dry the skin, etc. among other things.

Let us know if you find anything more out as I am very curious!

John,

Do you have any teens (or anyone else) in your house that might be using benzoil peroxide for acne, or peroxide-containing products for hair, or the like?

I can't think of any shaving product I've heard of that contains a bleaching agent.

Nope, no teens or anyone using benzoyl peroxide. My wife uses a blonde hair color, but not frequently, and she wouldn't be using the towel that is getting discolored.

Well, it's not really a big problem. I'll just do as several folks have suggested and get some cheap white towels to use.

I don't know about black towels, but Styptic DESTROYS white towels. It's a problem I deal with in my barbershop all the time. Perhaps it has a similar effect on Black towels?