The American flag is a powerful symbol of freedom, unity, and patriotism. As the flag represents values deeply important to Americans, properly caring for the flag is also of great significance. Cleaning the American flag correctly shows respect, preserves its condition, and allows its symbolic meaning to shine through vibrant colors and intact fabric.
Proper flag etiquette provides guidelines for displaying, folding, retiring, and cleaning the American flag. With some simple supplies and care, you can keep your flag looking its best. We will walk through everything you need to know to properly clean the Stars and Stripes.
Supplies Needed
Cleaning the American flag does not require much. With a few basic supplies, you can wash your flag by hand or in the washing machine. Here is what you will need:
- Mild soap: Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that will not be harsh on fabric. Ivory dish soap or Woolite work well.
- Cool water: Lukewarm or cool water is ideal, as hot water can damage the flag’s fibers. Fill a sink, basin, or bathtub with cool water for hand washing.
- White towel: Have a clean white towel on hand to dry the flag after washing. The white backdrop makes it easy to spot any remaining dirt.
- Washing machine: If machine washing, use a front-loading washing machine. Top loaders can damage the flag’s fringe during the wash cycle.
- Mesh washing bag: Place the flag in a mesh bag before machine washing to prevent tangling.
- Iron: For pressing out wrinkles and creases after washing, use a cool iron on a delicate setting.
With these supplies in hand, you are ready to properly clean Old Glory. Follow the step-by-step process below for best results.
Hand Washing Method
Handwashing allows you to gently clean the flag and ensure it does not tangle or twist. Here are the steps:
Fill Basin with Cool Water and Mild Soap
Fill a sink, basin, or bathtub with cool water. Add a small amount of non-detergent soap like Woolite or Ivory dish soap to the water. The soap should not suds up much – a mild solution is best.
Fully Immerse Flag in Water
Gently place the flag in the cool, soapy water. Fully submerge and unfold the flag, allowing it to soak thoroughly. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Gently Agitate the Flag
While submerged, gently move the flag back and forth to release dirt. Do not scrub, twist, or wring the fabric. Just lightly slosh it around to agitate the fibers.
Drain Dirty Water and Rinse
Drain the soapy water, which will likely be discolored from washed out dirt. Fill the basin again with fresh, cool water to rinse. Gently slosh the flag around again in clean water.
Drain and Dry
After rinsing thoroughly, drain the water again. Carefully lift the flag from the water and lay flat on a clean white towel. Allow it to air dry completely.
Iron with Cool Iron
Once totally dry, iron on a delicate setting with a cool iron. Be very gentle, taking care not to scorch or singe the fibers.
Handwashing allows you to thoroughly clean the flag with a delicate touch. Just be sure to use mild soap, cool water, and handle the flag gently throughout the process.
Washing Machine Method
For convenience, washing machines provide an easy approach to cleaning the American flag. Follow these best practices:
Use a Front Load Washer
Top load washing machines can wrap the flag’s fringe around the central agitator. A front load washer is gentler, tumbling the flag through the water.
Wash on Delicate Cycle
Choose the gentlest cycle possible. A delicate or permanent press cycle is ideal, using cool or lukewarm water on a low spin speed.
Use Mild Detergent
Again, opt for a mild detergent like Ivory Snow or Woolite. Powder detergents dissolve better than liquid. Don’t use bleach or fabric softeners.
Place in Mesh Bag
Put the flag in a mesh washing bag to prevent tangling and tearing during the cycle. Zip the bag fully closed.
Dry on Low Heat
Machine dry using very low heat or air fluff setting. High heat can damage fabric. Or, air dry flat instead.
Remove Promptly
Remove promptly after washing to prevent wrinkling and creasing. Handle carefully and lay flat right away.
Iron Gently
Use a cool iron and delicate setting to gently press out any wrinkles after air drying.
With some care, a front loading washer can make quick work of cleaning a dirty flag. Just be very mindful of water temperature, cycle settings, and heat to protect the flag’s fibers.
How Often to Clean an American Flag
How frequently you should clean your American flag depends primarily on how much exposure it gets:
- Daily use: Flags flown every day or in inclement weather may need washing weekly or biweekly. Check frequently for accumulating dirt.
- Occasional use: For periodic display, wash every 2-3 months during the seasons of use.
- Ceremonial use: Flags used for ceremonies or parades need cleaning after each use. Store properly between events.
- Indoor display: Indoor flags may only need cleaning every 4-6 months unless visibly dusty or soiled.
Use common sense based on the flag’s conditions and exposure. Aim to wash when dirt is noticeable or a weekly/monthly basis for flags in frequent use outdoors.
Supplies for Additional Flag Maintenance
Beyond just washing, a few other supplies contribute to proper flag care:
- Clear drying spray: Helps prevent creases and makes future ironing easier. Use after washing and air drying.
- Protective storage bags: Breathable cotton or canvas bags house flags safely when not in use.
- Repair kit: For minor tears, loose seams, or frayed edges, a basic sewing kit can patch things up.
- Gloves: White cotton gloves prevent fingerprints and oils from dirtying flags handled frequently or folded for storage.
Investing in a few key supplies makes ongoing care much simpler for well-loved American flags.
Step-By-Step Process for Folding the American Flag
Along with washing, proper folding is key after use and for storage. Follow these steps:
Hold the Flag at Full Extension
With another person’s help, hold the flag horizontally at full arm extension. Make sure the flag is taut.
Fold in Half Lengthwise
Bring the lower striped half of the flag up over the blue field with stars, folding in half lengthwise.
Fold in Half Again Lengthwise
Now fold the flag in half once more lengthwise, keeping the blue field on the outside.
Begin a Triangular Fold
With the blue field facing down, begin making a triangular fold.
Continue Triangular Folds
Keep folding the triangle tightly until only a small portion of the field of stars is exposed.
Tuck Remaining Fabric
Take the remaining flap and tuck it tightly into the triangular fold to secure.
Fold One Last Time
Make one more triangular fold, concealing all of the blue star field completely.
With tight, triangular folding, properly stow your flag when not flying.
Flag Etiquette FAQs
Handling the American flag with care and respect honors the nation it represents. Refer to these etiquette guidelines:
How should I display the flag?
Fly the flag only from sunrise to sunset. Illuminate it at night or take it down. Display the stars and blue field to the left (the viewer’s right) on a flag pole or mast.
How do I raise and lower the flag?
Raise briskly with pride, then lower slowly and ceremoniously. Fold properly before storing.
When should I fly the flag at half staff?
Half staff display honors fallen officers, government figures, and days of mourning or tragedy. Fly at the midway mark for major memorial dates.
How do I destroy a worn flag?
Retire unserviceable flags ceremoniously, preferably by burning. Many organizations, like the American Legion, conduct flag retirement ceremonies.
Can the flag touch the ground?
No, try not to let the flag fall to the ground during handling, flying, folding or unfurling.
What about wearing clothes with flag prints?
Contrary to popular belief, wearing flag shirts, bikinis, etc. is not actually a violation of flag etiquette codes.
With care, pride, and respect, you can properly handle the American flag and all it symbolizes for the nation. Follow proper etiquette and cleaning procedures to honor this powerful icon of freedom.
Conclusion
Caring for an American flag by regularly washing and safely storing it shows great respect for our nation and its guiding principles. Follow the proper hand washing or machine washing steps outlined here using mild detergent and cool water. Take care not to tangle or damage the flag during cleaning.
Store properly folded flags in breathable bags and repair minor wear and tear right away to maintain condition. Display only clean, intact flags, and replace ones that become badly worn or soiled. With the right etiquette and care, the flag can proudly fly as a beautiful symbol of America.