How to Clean an American Flag (With Care & Respect)

Flying the American flag is one of the most meaningful ways to show pride and respect for our country. But weather, pollution, and time can take a toll. To keep your flag looking bright and dignified, proper cleaning is essential—especially since many flags don’t include care labels.

At Bibbentuckers Dry Cleaning in Dallas–Fort Worth, we specialize in handling delicate fabrics and trims so your flag always looks its best.

American flags can be made from a variety of fabrics—cotton, polyester, nylon, fleece, or silk. Some also feature embellishments like:

• Gold fringe or rope
• Metallic yarns
• Appliquéd stars
• Decorative tassels

Because of these details, professional inspection is often necessary before cleaning to avoid damage or color bleeding.

When customers bring a flag to Bibbentuckers, our team carefully inspects it for:

• Soil and grime buildup
• Fading or color bleeding
• Tears, fraying, or puckering seams
• Mold, mildew, or insect damage
• Condition of trim or fringe

From there, we choose the safest method of cleaning:

• Vacuuming – for delicate or antique flags.
• Spot cleaning – when stains are isolated.
• Gentle wet cleaning or laundering – when fabric allows.
• Steam pressing or hand ironing – to remove wrinkles and restore crispness.

Flags are always folded carefully with tissue between layers and stored in protective boxes for safekeeping.

To preserve your flag long-term:

• Store in a dry, insect-free place.
• Use acid-free tissue between folds.
• Avoid damp basements or attics where mildew can form.

Even the most carefully maintained flags will eventually become worn or faded. The United States Department of Defense emphasizes that retiring a flag with respect matters just as much as how you fly it.

Here are the recommended methods:

• Flag Disposal Boxes & Ceremonies
  Many government offices, Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, and community organizations offer receptacles for old flags. These flags are later collected and retired in formal ceremonies held by groups like the American Legion, Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts.

• Ceremonial Burning
  In such ceremonies—often held around Flag Day (June 14)—flags are inspected, saluted, and respectfully burned following protocol to honor their service.

• Private Yet Respectful Retirement
  If you can’t access a ceremony, you may retire the flag personally—as long as it’s done respectfully. Fold the flag properly, hold a moment of silence or recite the Pledge of Allegiance, then place it in a fire big enough to fully consume it. Remember to follow local fire codes.

• Alternative Options for Synthetic Flags
  Since synthetic or nylon flags may emit harmful fumes when burned, other dignified options include burying the folded flag in a sealed box or cutting out and preserving the stars as keepsakes for veterans or family members.

Whether it’s a family heirloom or the flag you proudly fly at home, Bibbentuckers treats every American flag with the care and respect it deserves.

Bring your flag to our Dallas–Fort Worth locations and we’ll ensure it is cleaned, restored, and folded properly for display or storage.

See our specialty cleaning services