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.
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How long should your flag last?
There’s no exact lifespan for a flag, but the U.S. Government estimates a nylon or cotton flag lasts about 90 days with daily use from sunrise to sunset, excluding harsh weather.
Flags flown 24/7 may wear out four times faster than those flown only during daylight hours. Taking your flag down daily and caring for it properly can significantly extend its life. However, even the best-made flag is still fabric and will eventually wear out due to natural elements.
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How do you retire a flag?
Retire your worn American flag with honor through our respectful flag retirement service. At Flags USA, we follow the U.S. Flag Code to ensure each flag is properly and ceremoniously disposed of.
Whether you're an individual, school, or organization, we make the process simple and dignified. Show your respect for the symbol of our nation by trusting us to handle your flag's final journey with care and reverence.
