Caring for the American Flag

Caring for your American Flag

• Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be displayed outdoors.
• Do not expose the American flag to rain, snow, or exceptionally high winds
• If the flag gets wet, carefully spread it out and allow it to dry completely. Never fold or roll up a wet or damp flag.
• Clean your flag regularly, to keep dirt, smoke, dust, and other airborne contaminants “set” in the fabric, dulling the colors.
• Do not wash flags at home as the color may run onto the white stripes.
• Professional dry cleaning is recommended – at Flair, we clean all US Flags free of charge.
• Do not place the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc.
• Keep flagpole surfaces free of heavy dirt, rust, scale, and corrosion that could damage the flag.
• Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear and tear. Trim off and re-hem torn or frayed ends.
• Look for tears around the flag’s grommets, which can lead to more severe flag damage.

Car flags are designed for short-term use during parades, festivals, or during holiday celebrations. Note that high speed is tough on flags and will significantly decrease its life.

Checklist of Flag Etiquette:

• Display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open.
• Place the U.S. Flag above all other flags.
• During a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag should be to the observer’s left.
• On Memorial Day fly the flag at half-staff until noon.
• The flag should be placed on the speaker’s right on a podium or the staging area.
• When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a flat surface or in a window keep the blue field of stars uppermost and to the observer’s left.
• Fix the flag firmly to the chassis or clamped it to the right fender whe used on a car.
• All persons in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render the military salute.
• All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart.
• Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
• Never let the flag touch the ground.
• Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
• Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
• Never use the flag as clothing or cover.
• Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
• Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
• Never draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
• The flag is not for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.