How to Clean and Fold Your American Flag

The following flag tips were provided by

It’s important to remember the etiquette and proper care that goes into flying the American Flag on this day and every day.  Christa Hagearty, president & CEO of Dependable Cleaners, has shared the following easy tips for flag care and flag folding, and reminds customers across Massachusetts that Dependable Cleaners will clean your American flag, free of charge.

Flying and Caring for the Flag:

1. Always fly or hang the flag with the union (the stars) in the upper left corner. A flag on a flagstaff or flagpole should be able to fly free in the breeze and should only be attached to the flagstaff or halyard on the left edge of the fabric.
2. When hanging vertically, the union should be in the upper left corner. The pole should be long enough so the flag doesn’t touch the ground.  Do not fly the flag upside down. That is a distress signal.
3. When your U.S. flag becomes torn and frayed, don’t throw it away. Your local Office of Veterans Services provides an official, legal way to dispose of them.
4. Even though a flag might be an all-weather flag, it is advised that you take it down in particularly rough weather. It is recommended to take down the pole in high winds.  Freezing rain can make a flag look like a solid board and bring the pole down.
5. Many flags sold today can be machine-washed. Nylon flags should be washed and rinsed in cold-water cycles with regular laundry detergent. Dry on low for just five minutes, then let it dry flat. Or just bring it to any Dependable Cleaners location and it will be cleaned free of charge.   

Properly Folding Your Flag:

The preferred way of folding the flag is on the triangle. The following are step-by-step instructions:

1. Hold the flag at waist level with one person at each end of the flag. Be sure the flag doesn’t touch the ground.
2. Fold the flag lengthwise in half.
3. Refold in half, lengthwise.
4. Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge up to meet the flag’s open edge.
5. Fold the triangle toward the blue field and continue folding a triangle from edge to edge.
6. When properly folded, the flag will end up a triangle with stars on each side.

Remember, it is not necessary to fold the flag this way. Whatever way you fold it, be sure to store the flag someplace clean and dry.

Dependable Cleaners has been offering free flag cleaning services for over 65 years. To have your flag cleaned free of charge, please visit the Dependable Cleaners in Hingham.