Caring for Your Flag

Thank you for purchasing a flag from the United States Flag Store. All of our flags are made to the highest standards and feature rich colors. Please take the time to read the following instructions to properly care for and display your new flag. For any further questions or concerns, please call our customer service team toll free at 1-877-734-2458. They will be happy to assist you!

Extreme Weather Conditions: Are you supposed to take flag down in rain?

Periods of inclement weather such as strong winds and rain can cause damage to flags of many fabrics. Even all-weather flags will wear faster in these conditions. It's best to take flags down in bad weather. It's also important to check your flag regularly for damage. Larger flags (10ft x 15ft and up) need to be checked for wear at least twice a month. Many people will buy two flags and rotate them frequently. That way one flag can be repaired and cleaned while the other is displayed.

Can you wash the flag? How to wash or clean an American flag

Do not store a damp or wet flag. It can get moldy. Allow it to dry and store it in a moisture-proof container.
Keep your flagpole clean and in good repair. Rust can stain and corrode your flag and rough edges can tear it.
Position your flagpole in a clear area where your flag won't whip against rough surfaces, branches or anything it can snag on.
Most outdoor flags can be hand-washed with a mild laundry detergent or mild soap. If you're not sure if your flag can be washed, or of the proper washing procedure try professional dry cleaning.

How do you take care of an old flag?

If you happen to notice the smallest tear in your flag from a tree branch or some other forces of nature, you can always do minor repairs to your flag as long as they are not noticeable and it is still a fitting emblem. According to Flag code tattered flags or flags in bad condition should be retired and replaced. Read More on Flag Repair and Disposal.

Your Flag's Lifespan

There is no exact answer to a flag's lifespan, it is often in the hands of its owner. The U.S. Government estimates that a nylon flag will last about 90 days if it is only flown from sunrise to sunset in good weather. Flags flown 24 hours a day will typically last one half to one third as long. Larger flags have a shorter life than smaller ones because they are exposed to higher wind speeds and the fly ends have a stronger whiplash effect. When considering purchasing an outdoor you should also consider the weather conditions you will be flying it. Flags made of sewn polyester are more likely to withstand high winds while flags made of nylon are quick drying and lightweight.

For more information on flags, please visit our Flag Etiquette page.

Choosing a Flagpole

Flags and flagpoles come in a variety of sizes. Poles specified for indoor flags, should only be used inside, and outdoor poles should only be used outside. The larger the flag, the taller a flagpole must be to accommodate it. Generally the length of the flag should be one third to one quarter the height of the flagpole.

If You Don't Want to do the Math, Please Refer to the Chart Below

Height of Flagpole	Minimum Flag Size	Maximum Flag Size
15ft	2.5ft x 4ft	4ft x 6ft
20ft	3ft x 5ft	5ft x 8ft
25ft	3ft x 5ft	5ft x 8ft
30ft	4ft x 6ft	6ft x 10ft
40ft	5ft x 8ft	8ft x 12ft
50ft	6ft x 10ft	10ft x 15ft
60ft	8ft x 12ft	12ft x 18ft
70ft	10ft x 15ft	15ft x 25ft
80ft	10ft x 19ft	20ft x 30ft