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How to Keep Old Glory Looking Her Best
by Paul Mackenda
http://www.flagsi.com
As the symbol of our nation and its history, the American
flag has particular laws that govern its protection and
care. If you're like most others, you may not know the
best ways to maintain and store it, or can probably use a
quick brush-up if you've been a flag owner for many years.
Depending upon the material that's been used in the
production of the flag, as well as its overall condition,
you may be able to machine wash it, but hand-washing is
generally recommended. One of the reasons for this is that
washing machines may sometimes cause damage, due to the
edging of the material becoming caught in the agitator.
When hand-washing, it's best to use either Woolite or some
other form of mild detergent, making sure to remove it from
the water as soon as it's clean. Soaking isn't a good
idea, since this can cause the dye to bleed, forcing the
colors to run together. When drying, it should be kept
flat in a warm area that allows plenty of space to
accommodate its fullness. Ideally, the flags should be
dry-cleaned, as opposed to having conventional washing
techniques applied.
American flags that are in disrepair should be retired and
no longer flown. Depending upon the extent of the damage,
however, you may be able to perform repairs on your own. If
there are small imperfections, sewing on a patch of the
same color and texture of the fabric is permitted. These
can be purchased in either the Fabric department of a local
department store or through a merchant that specifically
deals in selling fabrics. For flags that have larger areas
of damage or fraying around the edges, the proper steps
should be taken to dispose of them and replacement flags
should be purchased.
Exposing it to the elements is one of the fastest ways to
ruin a flag. The flag will be whipped about and become
shredded if you fly the flag in bad weather with snow,
rain, sleet, hail or high winds hitting it constantly. The
sun can do a great deal of damage by bleaching out the
colors, even in good weather. Bring the flag in whenever
bad weather threatens, if you can. If it does get wet,
bring it in and drape it in an open area to dry thoroughly.
Remember to keep it from touching the ground, when you are
doing this. The American flag is never permitted to touch
the ground, unless it has been retired the ashes are
being buried, according to our laws.
If you fly your flag near trees, shrubs and other
obstructions or right next to your house, your flag may be
easily damaged. Take care the the flag will not be whipping
against the house or the trees or shrubs. Mount your flag
on a pole that's away from the house and landscaping is the
best way you can do this. Or, use a stanchion type flag
pole away from the house, branches and wires.
Before you store the American flag, you must make sure that
it is completely dry. Then fold it in its proper format and
place it in a flag case or protective wrap. Flags should
be stored in a cool, dry, dark location for best results.
Then it can be re-used in the future. The best conditions
for flag display is in a special flag case. This is usually
used for flags of ceremonial or sentimental value.
Always remember that the American flag is special and
should be treated as such. From general upkeep, to
cleaning, to storage, Old Glory deserves only the best,
and the law requires that proper respect be shown at all
times.
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