Caring for your Flag

If you purchased a flag through Flags USA you have a 100% MADE IN THE USA Flag! We are proud to provide you with your flag and have a few suggestions for you to care for your flag properly and maximize the life span of your flag.

Steps you can follow

Flags are made specifically for their intended use. If you intend to display your flag outdoors make sure your flag is an outdoor flag.
When your flag is outdoors being exposed to "nature" can shorten it's life considerably. In order to achieve the best results do not let your flag be exposed to abnormally high winds, rain or snow. If your flag becomes wet, it should be spread out and allowed to dry completely. Never fold or roll-up a wet or damp flag.
Outdoor flags are exposed to many airborne contaminants, dirt, smoke, dust, etc. We suggest you clean your flag on a regular basis to keep it's colors looking bright. This will help prevent dirt and contaminants for "setting" into the fabric of your flag.
To properly clean your outdoor flag you can wash it on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. You can either air dry or dry on low heat in the dryer. Never let your flag sit in the wash water to prevent the colors from "bleeding" on to the white stripes. We recommend professional dry cleaning for indoor/parade flags.
Be careful of where you place your flag. Carefully examine the flag's surroundings. If the flag is close to any rough surfaces, tree branches, cables, wires, etc. there is a good chance that high winds will whip it against these surfaces causing tears in your flag. Even the smallest tear can soon result in a tattered flag. Keeping the pole surfaces clear is important as well. Heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion could easily damage your flag.
The farthest end of your flag from the staff is called the "fly" end. It is important to regularly inspect your flag for signs of wear being extra careful to look at the fly end. Often thread breaks will occur in that area. If you notice thread breaks you can trim them off or re-hem torn or frayed ends. This helps dramatically to extend the life of your flag.

How long will your flag last?

There is no exact answer as to how long your flag will last. The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset – but not during periods of inclement weather.

Studies have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-fourth as long as one flown during the daylight hours only. Taking your flag down daily will expand the life of your flag.

It is a fact that taking good care of your flag will prolong its life considerably. There are many variables in nature that will effect your outdoor flag's life span. Your flag, even though well constructed is after all only a piece of cloth and will succumb to nature sooner or later.

Repair Program

On the larger flags 8x12' and larger, we recommend repairing them and rotating them out at first signs of wear and tear.

Disposal

Flags must be retired when they come to the end of their life. Click below for more information.

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Caring for your Flag

Steps you can follow

How long will your flag last?

Repair Program

Disposal

Caring for your Flag

Steps you can follow

How long will your flag last?

Repair Program

Disposal

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