Why has my silk become dull?Updated 2 hours ago

Why has my silk become dull?

Silk becomes dull when the smooth silk fibres or the finish that gives the fabric its lustre are affected.

The most common causes are:

• Water that is too hot – Silk should be washed in cold or lukewarm water (approx. 20–30°C / 68–86°F). Hotter water can affect the fibres and reduce the fabric's natural sheen.
• Excessive mechanical agitation – If the fabric is rubbed, scrubbed, wrung, or exposed to excessive friction, the fibre surface becomes rough, causing the silk to appear dull.
• Incorrect detergent – Detergents containing enzymes, bleach, or with a high pH can damage silk. A detergent specifically formulated for silk is normally the right choice, but not all products marketed for wool/silk are equally gentle. We recommend Classic Silk Wash. Choose a detergent made exclusively for silk rather than a combined wool/silk detergent.
• Soaking for too long – Silk should not be left to soak for extended periods, as this can affect the fibres.
• Drying in direct sunlight or at high temperatures – This can also affect both the fibres and the colour.

If a silk fabric has become dull after washing, it is generally not a manufacturing defect but rather a change to the fibre surface caused by the way the fabric has been treated. Silk satin is particularly delicate because its lustre comes from its exceptionally smooth weave and fibre surface.