Owning an American flag might make you curious if dry cleaning is a smart option. Flags, including the American one, gather dirt and junk when outside for a long time. This build-up doesn’t happen right away, but after proudly showing off your flag at home or work for a few months, dirt and debris will pile up. Therefore, dry cleaning might seem like a good way to freshen up your flag’s look.
Yes, You Can Dry Clean the American Flag
The good news is that it’s perfectly fine to dry clean the American flag. The U.S. Flag Code — the federal law governing the way in which the American flag is displayed, stored and maintained — doesn’t contain any specific provisions regarding dry cleaning. Therefore, you can safely take your American flag to a local dry-cleaning establishment without fear or violating the U.S. Flag Code.
What Is Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning is an all-around excellent way to clean the American flag. Upon hearing the term “dry cleaning,” many people assume that it’s a completely dry process that’s devoid of all liquids. However, dry cleaning actually uses a liquid chemical solvent, so it’s not really “dry.” It’s called “dry cleaning” because it substitutes for water for a liquid chemical solvent. During this process, the American flag — or clothes for that matter — is soaked in a chemical solvent that releases stain-causing compounds from the respective material.
Check the Material
While the U.S. Flag Code doesn’t prohibit consumers from dry cleaning the American flag, it’s a good idea to check the material to determine whether it’s suitable for dry cleaning. If your American flag is made of a synthetic material, such as polyester or nylon, you can clean it using most any method. If your American flag is made of an organic material like cotton, on the other hand, you should either spot clean it or dry clean it to protect against damage.
Signs You Need to Get Your American Flag Dry Cleaned
Dry cleaning isn’t something that you should regularly do your American flag. Instead, wait until your American flag is visibly dirty. If there are no visible stains, smudges or blemishes, you don’t need to dry clean it. Wait until your American flag is visibly dirty to get it dry cleaned. While dry cleaning is gentler both hand-washing and machine-washing, it’s still something that should only be done on occasion.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
