How to Properly Clean & Care For Your Flag
Our flags are manufactured to provide maximum service in return for reasonable care and prudent use. To extend the life of your flag and keep it looking its best, follow these tips for cleaning, mounting, and repair.
- Occasionally dry clean or wash your flag.
- Allow your flag to dry thoroughly before storing it.
- Repair your flag at the first sign of fraying.
- Properly mount your flag to avoid premature wear.
- Take down your flag at night and during bad weather.
Washing Your Flag
Outdoor flags are susceptible to dirt, salt and air pollutants that get trapped between the fibers and cause damage when the flag waves. Indoor flags, too, are exposed to dust and other airborne particles, which can shorten the life of a flag. To ensure maximum service, we recommend occasional cleaning.
Outdoor flags made of nylon should be dry cleaned or washed by hand or in a washing machine with cold water and mild detergent. To dry, hang the flag or lay flat to keep the colors from bleeding, and allow your flag to dry thoroughly before storing it. A cool iron may also be used to remove wrinkles.
Indoor flags with fringe should be carefully spot cleaned or dry cleaned only, as fringe dye has been known to run onto other fabrics when wet. If a Parade Flag with fringe gets rained on, lay the flag flat to dry and keep the fringe from contacting other fabrics.
Bonus Tip: Some dry cleaners will clean an American Flag for free or reduced price when you bring it in with other items.
Removing Wrinkles and Folds From Your Flag
Often times a new flag or flag removed from storage will present with difficult wrinkles or creases. These will generally resolve on their own within a few days when the flag is flown outdoors in the elements of wet-dry cycles.
However if you are displaying indoors or want to remove wrinkles on your own, we recommend taking them out with a clothing steamer wand. Generally this will remove even stubborn creases with some effort/repeated passes. You can also use a clothing iron with plenty of steam. If using an iron directly on the fabric, please be careful not to burn, melt or mar the flag - some materials are prone to melting at higher heat, particularly Nylon.
Protecting Your Flag
To protect your flag from premature wear and damage, it’s important to properly mount your flag and inspect the mounting hardware from time to time.
When mounting your flag to an in-ground flagpole, be sure that your halyard (rope) is in good condition and that there aren't any sharp edges on your clips.
For wall or house-mounted flagpoles, make sure your flag can wave freely without brushing against trees, posts, fences, gutters, etc.
It’s also a good idea to bring your flag inside at night and during bad weather. Shop our Flag Storage Bags, Carrying Cases & Covers.
Repairing Your Flag
All flags will last longer if frequently repaired. We recommend visually inspecting your flag often to catch rips in the fabric when they start. Most flags can be repaired several times before they become too short to be an official USA flag.
We offer repair services for most size flags and will be happy to determine if a repair would benefit you. Call us at 1-888-697-3524 for pricing and shipping information.
Flag damaged beyond repair? Shop our selection of American Flags or browse our selection of all flags here to find a replacement.
Extend the Life of Your Flag
With proper use and care, you can extend the life of your flag and ensure maximum service. You can also stretch your “flag dollar” by owning three flags: one that’s flying, one in the wash, and third one in storage for special occasions.
Interested in learning more about flag lifespans and how to extend them? Check out our flag lifespan page to read more about the key factors that impact flag longevity and get a sense of what to expect for a typical flag's useful life. You can also contact us online or give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 for more information about flag cleaning and repair.