Proper U.S. Flag Care

A torn, tattered American flag is not fit to serve as a symbol of our proud nation. Keep your flag in good repair and flying for a longer time with the following flag care tips:

• For best results, only display flags made specifically for exterior use outdoors. A good choice might be Tough-Tex American Flags, which are engineered for durability.
• Exposing your U.S. flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds is not recommended.
• Don’t fold or roll-up a damp or wet flag. If your flag becomes wet, spread it out and allow it to completely dry before flying it.
• Clean your flag regularly, to prevent soil and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants from setting in the fabric.
• Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with cold water and a mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to dry.  Do not allow flags to stand in water too long to avoid color transfer onto white stripes.
• Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Incidentally, some establishments will clean Old Glory free of charge.
• Do not hang the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. Small tears can soon result in a tattered flag.
• Keep pole surfaces clean! Heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion can damage your flag.
• Inspect your flag fabric or thread breaks which may occur in the end farthest from the pole (the fly end). Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend your flag’s life.

For large flag owners (12 x 18 ft and larger), you may want to purchase two flags and rotate them regularly.  Tests have shown that flag fibers actually benefit from periodic “rest”. In addition, you won’t be without a flag while the other is being cleaned or repaired. Proper flag etiquette, including a prohibition on flying tattered, faded or soiled flags is outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.

Check out the huge selection of US flags at AmericanFlags.com – American’s largest online flag retailer.

Tags: caring for your flag, flag care, flag etiquette, flag respect, tough tex flags, us flag care, us flag code

Category: US Flag Etiquette