It is good practice to keep your flag clean. Keeping your flag free from dirt can greatly improve the flag's life. Dirt is sharp; it cuts fabric; it dulls colors and causes wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly. Do not let your flag soak in water as the colors may run. Parade flags should be dry cleaned.Dirt, smoke, exhaust or dust can cause your flag to age before its time. Some exhaust - such as that of nearby factories can actually destroy flag material.
Petroleum products are hazardous to Nylon materials. It is wise to keep your flag away from all oil and gasoline. Flags flown at sea are especially susceptible to damage by petroleum products. Do not handle your flags with greasy hands.
Pole care is related to flag care. Rusty, pock marked poles chafe and tear flag fabric and stitching. Rust and scale cause permanent stains. Rust actually eats holes into the flags. Inspect your flagpoles.
Do not store your flag next to an assortment of chemicals. Many people collect paints, solvents, home-improvement stuff in their basements. Flags can decompose in just slight amounts of chemical vapor. Allow your flags room to breathe.
Give your flag the attention it deserves. Watch the corners of your flag. If they begin to show signs of wear, they can be re-hemmed by trimming off the worn hem and running it along a sewing-machine - See your seamstress... This is acceptable alternative to save an otherwise perfect flag.
Flags will literally explode- depending on the airspeed. A 300 mile per hour gust, quite possible on top of a mountain or with a tall flagpole, will shred a flag in seconds. When you hear a sharp, snapping sound, your flag is about to be toast. Don't fly flags during windspeeds exceeding 50 Mph.
Rain will wash out the color on any flag. A heavy flag will also take a worse beating than one that is kept dry. Use your smarts... if it's gray and windy, don't fly the flag. Sometimes you will face the dilemma of having to get your flag out of the rain. Do not bunch up the flag and let it sit wet. Mildew and other great things grow quickly. Hang up the flag as you would a nice shirt. Wet folds can turn into permanent creases.
Generally, if a Flag has deteriorated, it is put to rest through burning in respectful fashion. You may wish to check with one of your local military organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Organization of Vietnam Veterans, or your local Marine Corps League to name a few. These organizations represent the essence of what our flag stands for and made a substantial investment in its defense.
