What Causes American Flags to Fade?
American flags aren’t immune to fading. While available in a variety of materials, they can lose their original depth of color over time. Rather than featuring bright red and white horizontal lines, for instance, an American flag may feature duller red stripes and faded blue canton. What causes American flags to fade exactly? Below are some of the most common causes of fading.
Washing With Hot Water
Exposure to hot water is a common cause of fading. If you wash your American flag with hot water, it may begin to fade. Hot water is a leading cause of fading for most materials. Whether you wash a t-shirt with hot water or your American flag with hot water, it may result in fading. Hot water encourages the release of dye. As the dye is released from your American flag, it may develop a duller and more faded tone. You can still wash your American flag, but consider using cold water to protect it from fading
Bleach
Bleach can cause your American flag to fade. Bleach is a powerful cleaning chemical. While it’s typically safe for all-white clothes and garments, you shouldn’t use it on colored materials. The American flag, of course, is colored. While it contains white in its design, the American flag features red and blue as well. Therefore, you shouldn’t use bleach on it. Washing your American flag with just a capful of bleach may cause it to fade.
Instead of bleach, try washing your American flag with a small amount of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar will help to remove stains while also protecting the color of your American flag. And unlike bleach, vinegar won’t cause your American flag to fade.
UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause your American flag to fade. Sunlight is a form of UV light. If you’re going to display your American flag outdoors, it will inevitably be exposed to UV light. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to bring your American flag indoors. You should, however, take precautions to protect it from UV-related fading.
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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