Laundering the American Flag

[paulg]

Opinions requested:
Through life I have accrued three American flags. These are the Veteran’s style that are draped over the casket.
My Dad’s remains folded and sits in a triangular wooden box. All good.
My Father-in-Law’s remains folded and sits in a triangular wooden box. All good.
My Grandfather’s flag, for reasons unknown, was found rumpled in a box. He died in 1955. I wish to bring that flag back “up to speed”.
So what do I do?
Dry clean only? Put in my trusty Speed Queen?
I will not cry in my soup if the flag dissolves in the water or is ruined. I’ll just do the best I can. I haven’t looked at it recently but I don’t recall it being particularly dirty or stained, but it would be nicer if it were cleaned. Don’t know how to fold it. Maybe a visit to YouTube or the local Funeral Home will solve that.
All comments welcome!

 

[petek]

If it was mine I would just gently hand wash it in a big sink or tub with warm water and a few drops of mild dish detergent, rinse the same way and lay out flat to dry. I wouldn't machine wash or send to a dry cleaner.

 

[ea56]

I agree with Petek, don’t put it in a machine to wash it.  But even washing it in cold water gently in the bathtub may cause the colors to bleed and ruin it forever.  Then it has to be properly destroyed.  You may be best advised to just try and smooth it out as best you can and neatly fold it and put it away as family heirloom.

 

Look online for how to properly handle an American flag, there are things that you’re not supposed to do out of respect.  Our local fire department has a box in front of their building for people to place of their tattered American flags, and then the fire dept.  disposes of them properly.

 

Eddie

 

[parunner58]

I agree with Pete, hand wash, rinse, and flat dry. My wife would then iron it.

I grew up in a military family so I have seen and tried to fold many flags. During Vietnam, my dad had the sad duty of notifying families. If the link works I found a website that tells the 5 steps in folding a flag, it is very easy. I also saw youtube videos to.

Loading…

carrot-top.com

 

[rp2813]

As patriotic as it may sound, the saying "These colors don't run" likely doesn't apply to a 66 year-old copy of Old Glory.

 

I would check with a local veterans' group like VFW or American Legion for advice.  The Boy Scouts might be another option if the other two don't produce answers.

 

I have the flag from my dad's casket in a triangular glass front display box, but it wasn't folded evenly and one star is cut off by the frame.  I tried to fix it and the shell casings from his six-gun salute started to fall out of it.  The stars yellowed from indirect sunlight in my mom's den.  At this point, I'm leaving well enough alone.

 

[kb0nes]

First thing I'd assess if what is it made of? If it is Nylon you can't hurt it machine washing it. Canvas wouldn't be as color fast but all flags are pretty durable if they had any intention of being hung outside. As you mention they aren't really soiled so a quick cold wash with a little detergent is how I'd do it.

Lots of videos on YouTube for the folding procedure. If a video can teach one to fold a fitted sheet, then a flat rectangular flag will be easy!

 

[repairguy]

Out of curiosity I checked into this one because I am a stickler for respecting our flag. I found that the U.S. Flag code does not prohibit the washing of the flag. Hopefully you can do so and bring this flag back to it’s glory.

 

[maytagbear]

Another idea..

How about laying it out flat and using a suction only (NO beater bar) vacuum? Hold it flat with one gloved hand, and using the upholstery tool with the other hand?

My Dad's flag has never been unfolded since September1965.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[ea56]

Here is a link on how to safely wash an American flag.  It does state that if there is any doubt about the color fastness of a cotton flag to test it first using a  qtip and soapy water on a small area.  If the color transfers then have it dry cleaned.

 

HTH

Eddie

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-the-american-flag-2146327

 

[this post was last edited: 8/9/2021-20:52]

 

[qsd-dan]

I washed my great uncles 48 star flag from the 30's/40's in 120F water with liquid detergent in the A806 on gentle with no problems. I use to fly it on the 4th of July. That thing is massive and heavy.

 

[hobarthero]

Boy Scout Response

As a proud Eagle Scout you can definitely wash the flag. A mild hand wash shouldn’t hurt it but if the fabric is brittle or feels fragile then obviously avoid washing at all and just fold it properly, perhaps use a steamer lightly to remove wrinkles. Worn out flags should be retired after spending time in the elements. Also don’t let the flag touch the ground, because then it is supposed to be burned properly in a ceremony.
-Shannon

 

[paulg]

Big thanks!

Thanks gang for the numerous (and very smart) suggestions!
I have all the tools needed as suggested above and will proceed. I’ll try to remember to show the results.
Much obliged to all!

 

[sudsmaster]

OK,I don't want to offend anyone, but I'm of the opine that all this ceremony around the flag is a bit much for a home residence. Military, government stuff, and funerals, yeah, it makes more sense. I have always felt that way, but I respect the opinions of those who turn the flag into a near religious icon. That said, I've been flying an American flag and a California state flag at the front of my house since the rains stopped around May. Day and night. If it gets too windy, I'll take them in. If either of them gets soiled - which is unlikely since they are both at least five feet off the ground - I probably would just put them in the Neptune 7500 on warm/gentle/no spin with a nice liquid detergent. Oh, and they are both nylon, so they can probably take it no problem. Most likely the biggest issue will be them fading in the sun. Oh well.

Fire when ready!

 

[hobarthero]

Drop off

They can easily be dropped off at a local Marine Corps or Veterans club for proper disposal. You don’t have to do a flag burning ceremony yourself, just drop off old worn flags and they do the rest. They often have collection boxes right outside.
-Shannon

 

[foraloysius]

Cultural differences show here. Burning a flag yourself is considered disrespect for it here. It's what rioters do. If a flag is at the end of it's life, overhere you cut it up so it's not a flag anymore and dispose it discreetly.

 

[ea56]

Louis,

I believe the reason for burning an American flag that has become tattered is meant to be a respectful way of disposal.  Cutting it up and disposing of the flag would make the remnants possibly subject to desecration by other refuse.  By respectfully burning the flag that has reached the end of its serviceable life  it leaves only ashes that can be disposed of in a way that prevents contamination from refuse.

 

This ceremonial burning of a flag at the end of its serviceable life isn’t the same as the burning of a flag as a symbol of protest or disrespect.  Thats why many locals, (like my local Fire Dept.)  have a place for people to turn in their tattered flags for the proper and respectful disposal of the flag that reached the end of its serviceable life.

 

Every country has their own way to do this I suppose, but the intent is the same.  I’ve never been a flag waver, but the events of January 6, 2021 have given me a renewed sense of respect for the American Flag and all it represents.

 

Eddie

 

[tolivac]

Burning nylon and other synthetic fiber flags can generate toxic fumes.There should be another way to dispose of nylon fabric flags.I have washed those just fine in any of the TL washers I had.One day while coming home from work at VOA DC plant found a large US flag wrapped around the base of a lamppost.Rescued the flag-put it in my bookbag after looking around to see any blank flagpoles.NONE found.I washed the flag just fine-still have it.Folded up in a closet-been thru several moves.Too big to hang on a home type flagpost.The dirt washed out of it just fine.Almst looks new except for a few minor wear points of the flags end.

 

[sudsmaster]

Question: Is the process for handling and disposing of an American flag codified into laws, with penalties for not following them to the letter, or are they recommended steps?

Does it vary by state?

Or is it just something that you have to follow if you are a government employee or military personnel?

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

In lieu of burning a flag no longer fit for displaying, it can be buried, discreetly, and deeply enough it won't rise back up from its burying place...

Or why not give to your local funeral home, for draping a casket, if big enough, or placing on, even if the diseased person hasn't served in any military, or at least perhaps served as a police or fire official, maybe accompanied by another flag or two, should size be any factor...

-- Dave