How to clean an American flag?

Question

I received the American flag that was draped over my grandfather's casket. I had never gotten around to buying a case for it, just displayed it out in the open on top of my bookshelf, properly folded and all, right underneath my living-room window.

Last week, there was a heavy rainstorm that caused the seal around my living-room window to spring a leak, and water came in, getting the flag dirty and soaking wet.

On one hand, I believe the formal flag codes require me to destroy the flag once it gets dirty and/or wet, but ... this is my grandfather's flag, which is a big deal in my family. If I can, I'd like to clean it rather than replace it.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I researched you're question. On the Betsy Ross homepage
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
it states that you can hand wash you flag with a mild soap

Answer 2

you DO NOT have to destroy a dirty flag or a flag which has touched the ground.

the flags the VA hand out to cover vets caskets are cotton and sewn stars and stripes- usually made by Annin and co or Valley Forge flag companies.

im very sorry to hear about your flag gtting damaged- especially one of this sentimental value.
i live in England so i dont have dry cleaners who clean flags for free or any that i would trust with my beloved American flags anyway!

ok this is how i clean my flags
i dont use the washing machine to wash them for fear that the washing process is not in my control
so i wash my flags in the bath- one at a time when necessary (i have 57!). and i use shower gel to do it just like i would use on myself. in water thats quite warm but not hot.

then i take to the washing machine to spin it which just gets rid fo the excess water then i take it outside and hang on the rotary washing line to dry.
it should be fine after this. juwst make sure its COMPLETELY dry before you fold it back up. maybe lay it out on a spare bed for a few days to make absolutely sure.

then perhaps get round to buying that flag case!

Answer 3

you at the instantaneous are not required through the regulations of flag ettiquette to wreck a flag which has gotten moist or grimy. numerous hyperlinks below, from flag ettiquette professionals. From the first link, laundry suggestion: "cleansing: reduce washing or cleansing flags or different textiles you want to keep. in case your flag is amazingly previous, more advantageous than 30 years, you should no longer wash or dry clean it except with the suggestion of a pro conservator. the basically proper cleansing technique for previous flags is vacuuming gently (on low suction) utilizing a broom attachment lined through a clean piece of cheesecloth. that is perfect now to not contact the flag with a broom that has been used for different cleansing, and the cheesecloth will forestall tears and snags. Vacuum a textile through gently patting the exterior as in case you've been blotting it. New flags must be clean even as they are saved. searching on the type of textile, the flag might want to be washed gently through hand utilizing a smooth cleansing soap. " numerous of the web pages factor out many dry cleaners will clean a flag for loose. pondering the sentimental fee of your flag, be certain that in case you DO have it dry wiped clean, the dry purifier knows a thanks to handle older fabrics.

Answer 4

I am an only daughter who inherited everything from parents, grandparents and in laws. This included the flag that was on my father casket.

When the war started I Hung it on the front of the house , it hung for most of a year. Well needless to say it got nasty.

This one seems to be cotton. I actually machine washed it.
I know that is not proper, but I am not getting rid of it. It came out amazingly well , I refolded it and put it in a case.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Fill your tub w/tepid water & add a gentle soap like Woolite. Swish the flag around & gently rub any really dirty places. I'd recommend a second washing & rinse. Roll it in a towel to remove excess water, fold & hang each end on a skirt hanger (to prevent tension) & hang on the shower rod. When it's thoroughly dry, treat yourself to the showcase for it, making sure it is of museum quality storage so acids don't eat away the fabric.

Answer 6

There are many dry cleaners in my area that will dry clean flags for free. Call around and see if there are some in your area. You could also try to wash it by hand or on the delicate cycle in the washer. Even if it doesn't come perfectly clean, don't throw it out, it is priceless!

Answer 7

I have always washed our flags on the gentle cycle in the washing machine using cold water. No guarantees, but it has worked here.

Answer 8

If I were you, I wouldn't try to tackle this on your own. Take it to a professional cleaner's...a reputable place. Explain to them the situation over the phone, and ask them if they can help (or point you toward an expert cleaner who can).

Answer 9

Depends what material it is made from