Have you been wondering if you can wash or repair flags? Are there various flag etiquettes that you need to follow before washing, repairing, or maintaining different kinds of flags? Should you check for expert help when it comes appropriately cleaning the American flag and the likes?
A Complete Guide on How To Care And Maintain A Flag
Taking care of flags improves quality and longevity. Have you been wondering if you can wash or clean the American flag or any flags that represent groups, organizations, or companies? Then we will give you a heads up on how to care and clean for all types of flags properly.
Aside from that, we’re also providing a complete guide from cleaning, repairing, maintenance, and caring for various types of flags. You can check the house cleaning services in the Greater Sacramento area that offer professional assistance on how to repair, clean, or dispose of a flag. With their intensive experience and knowledge, you’ll discover a few yet essential factors that need to be considered when cleaning and caring for your flag.
A flag is not just a decorative piece of fabric hanging on your front door or a representation of the organization you are part of or support. Either it’s the national flag, team flag, state flags, etc., proper caring, cleaning, and maintenance is essential. The flag is exposed to sunlight, dust, dust, rain, and wind can damage it’s beauty and aesthetic.
How do you care and maintain a flag?
The Right Method of Washing A Flag
First things first, identify the flag fabric where it was made from. Outdoor flags are made of polyester, nylon, wool, or cotton. Checking the flag label gives you a better overview of how to care and maintain your flag. Next is the flag’s colour fastness so you can get an idea of how you should wash it. There are three ways to clean your banner:
Dry cleaning method
If you’re not sure with the flag material and in doubt of the cleaning instruction, it’s best to bring your flag to an expert dry cleaner. Several businesses will clean it for free or give you a discount.
Washing by hand
Several flags can be hand-washed to maintain its natural colour and style. However, there are special precautions with the fabric type your flag is manufactured with. For cotton fabric, gentle wash with all cloth or oxygen-based soap under cold to lukewarm liquid is highly advisable. For synthetic materials, never place a flag on dryers. To smooth the flag wrinkles, you can iron it.
Machine wash
While polyester and nylon are safe to wash on a delicate machine wash setting, it’s not advisable to do so. The process can cause fading, wear, or tear.
- Air-drying your flag is vital and avoid hanging it close to tree limbs, bushes, buildings, and structures. This can cause tears when snagging, if accidental tear happens, best to repair your flag carefully.
- Historical and older flags require adequate and professional service as most of the materials are manufactured with relatively delicate and natural fabrics like silk, wool, cotton, and linen. For heirloom types of flags, to achieve the best care and maintenance, always seek professional help.
What Should You Do With Damaged Flags?
Exposure to various elements for a long time can affect the quality and longevity of your flag. Damages, wear or tear, fading, or fraying is a common issue with all types of flags. If you happen to deal with minor holes or wear and tear, an expert sewist can fix the problem.
It’s prohibited noticeable alterations. If the flag is beyond a repairable status, proper disposal is needed according to the United States Flag Code. It must be disposed of properly. The code recommended burning it, but you can check with groups and local veterans and allow them of proper flag disposal instead.
- Repair any damage from your flag once you noticed it
- Stitch tears properly
- trim or cut loose strings
- Store flags in a cool and dry place
- Takedown flags when the severe climate is expected like a hailstorm, strong wind, etc
Conclusion
