So you find a 100% made in USA American flag for sale (you wouldn’t get a flag for the United States that was made in China, right?), buy it and fly it. Your American flag hangs proudly on a strong pole, but over time, it can’t escape getting dirty. This doesn’t happen all at once, of course. One day, you’ll spot some dirt and maybe a few discolored spots. At this point, you might ask yourself “Can I wash my American flag?“
When handling or displaying an American flag, you should follow the requirements set forth in the U.S. Flag Code. Originally created on June 14, 1923 by a consortium of over 60 organizations, including The American Legion, the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law governing the use of the American flag. While it’s technically not enforced — meaning you won’t get penalized for violating any of its requirements — it’s still proper etiquette to comply with the U.S. Flag Code.
Yes, You Can Wash an American Flag
The United States Flag Code doesn’t contain any provisions about washing the American flag. meaning you can safely wash your American flag without violating this federal law. With that said, the U.S. Flag Code may indirectly require flag owners to wash their American flag. It specifically states flag owners should use care not to allow their American flag to get damaged or soiled. And if an American flag is in a poor condition, it should be retired or destroyed in a dignified manner.
Washing Synthetic vs Organic American Flags
American flags are available in synthetic as well as organic materials. The most common organic material used to make American flags is Cotton, whereas the most common synthetic materials used to make American flags are Nylon and Polyester. American flags is Polyester. Both materials have their own strengths and weaknesses, but you’ll generally find that cotton American flags are more delicate than their polyester and nylon counterparts.
If you own a nylon or polyester American flag, you should probably hand wash it rather than trying to clean it in the washing machine. If you own a polyester American flag — or an American flag made of a similar synthetic material — though, you should be able to clean it in the washing machine if it’s not physically torn or tattered.
Check the Fabric
Before washing your American flag, check to see what fabric or fabrics it’s made of. Not all American flags are made of machine-washable fabrics. If your American flag is made of linen, for example, washing may cause it to stretch out. Therefore, you should pay attention to fabric or fabrics of which your American flag is made.
Wash in Cold Water
Assuming your American flag is made of a machine-washable fabric, such as polyester and nylon, you can clean it in the washing machine. Instead of using hot water, though, it’s recommended that you use cold water. Washing your American flag in cold water will protect it from heat, which could otherwise cause it to fade or shrink.
Line Dry
After washing your American flag, hang it on a line to dry. You can do this outdoors by running a line between two trees, or you can do this indoors by hanging your American flag on a shower curtain rod. Regardless, line drying is a safer way to dry the American flag since it doesn’t use heat or a tumbling mechanism.
When In Doubt, Have Your American Flag Dry Cleaned
If you’re worried that you washing your American flag will damage it, consider using Dry cleaning. On its website, the American Legion specifically says that flag owners can wash or dry clean their American flag, the latter of which is a gentler and less-invasive method to clean a dirty American flag.
