2006-07-03 14:08:33 · 15 answers · asked by outlaw_1942 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A 60 year old flag is likely made of wool serge, and will not wash well after all this time. Unless it absolutely needs cleaning I wouldn't bother; no one expects a 60 year old flag to look like a new one from Wal-Mart, after all.
If you decide it really does need cleaning, consult with a local museum and find out who they get to clean historical textiles. You don't want it to disintergrate, after all.
2006-07-03 14:13:29 · answer #1 · answered by P. M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly let me say how sorry I am for the totally unwarranted attacks your question has received. They should serve not to insult you but to give you the strength to hold that flag, you're so proud of, closer to your heart.
A 60 year old flag is rightfully retired. It has served the people - flown officially in the time it was meant to fly. But now its purpose is to be enjoyed - keeping it safe and out of the hands of some of the vermin that feed on flags is about all you should worry about. No flag was ever so dirty as to bring shame on those that respect it. Washing it may make it look a bit newer but that's about it. Besides the stains of time are the real badges of honor your flag can be proud of. For heavens sakes, 60 years is a lot of history - you don't wash that away now do you. Let the dust and grime and stains, which represent America's defeats and victories live forever. And guard that old fabric with your dear life...
P.S. I'm not an American but duly love and support her for what she has done for me.
2006-07-03 21:35:09 · answer #2 · answered by brian s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a flag that old, I would have it professionally cleaned. Either a dry cleaner or contact an antique shop for their recommendations!
Thank you for your concern and care for the flag!
2006-07-03 21:15:29 · answer #3 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, you're not supposed to wash flags. If they're torn and stained really badly, give them to a recruiting office and they will dispose of them properly. There's a huge thing that they do to properly distinguish the flags.
2006-07-04 03:17:34 · answer #4 · answered by Tam C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an 100+ year old baby garment. I soaked in warm water and Oxy Clean and the results were amazing. It should be safe for the colors as well.
2006-07-03 21:59:21 · answer #5 · answered by Elizabeth l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to a professional cleaners and make sure they know the story of the flag and that it's old! Oh yeah, make sure the cleaner is insured...good luck
2006-07-03 21:20:15 · answer #6 · answered by hotmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a local museum and if they have some type of conservation department, they should be able to assist in directing you to the right way or right people that can assist you.
2006-07-04 00:53:49 · answer #7 · answered by eldertrouble 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean it the same way you would clean a very old dress.
I recommend hand washing in Woolite.
2006-07-03 21:13:19 · answer #8 · answered by Dan S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wash it with your patriotism which your country is using to cleaning Islam these days.
2006-07-03 21:11:10 · answer #9 · answered by bashar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would gently wash it in woolite by hand then hang it up to dry!
2006-07-03 21:15:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋