Looking after your flag

How long will my flag last?

This is a tricky one to answer.  Fabric by its very makeup degrades over time, whether it be a linen shirt, a deckchair strip, a felt trilby, a ceremonial flag behind glass or a flag which flies all or some of the time.  

A fully sewn or quality printed flag will last 12-18 months with care, but don't expect to fly a flag or anything 24/7 and for it to last more than several months - anything that takes a battering in the rain and wind will break down eventually. 

An 'economy flag' by comparison (something we dont make or supply) will last you a few weeks or months at most.

The major enemies of a flag are wind, sun and lack of care.

Whilst its sadly not possible to control the weather, you can take care of your flag and so lengthen its life and a big help would be to take it down overnight. 

Our flags are manufactured to give maximum service in return for reasonable care and prudent use. There are however a few pointers which go a long way to ensuring a longer life for your flag and your investment.

• Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be displayed outdoors
• Do not expose your flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds.  These conditions will shorten its life considerably.
• Do not fly a wet flag.  Flying a heavy, wet flag in the wind puts excessive strain on the fabric and stitching, and will greatly reduce the life of your flag. Should the flag become wet, it should be spread out and allowed to dry completely.
• Do not fold or roll-up a wet or damp flag.
• To keep its rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly, before soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants “set” in the fabric.
• Do not place the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. The smallest tear can soon result in a tattered flag.
• Keep pole surfaces free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion that could damage your flag.
• Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear. In particular, look for “normal wear” fabric or thread breaks which may occur in the “fly” end (the end farthest from the pole).
• Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of your flag.

How should I clean a flag?

Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to dry.  Professional dry cleaning is only recommended for indoor/parade flags and absolutely not for outdoor use flags - the polyester weave and / or knit will shrink. 

You might be interested to read up about antifray which could potentially extend the life of your flag. Click HERE.