How to Properly Care for and Store American Memorial Flags

Way back during the Napoleonic Wars, which started in 1792 and lasted until 1815, the dead soldiers were covered with a flag before they were removed from the battlegrounds. This practice turned into a tradition. Today, at the end of a military funeral, the American flag is removed from the top of the casket. It's then folded and presented to the family of the deceased. If you have possession of one of these memorial flags, you will undoubtedly want to pass it down through your family. To keep it in the best shape possible, read this informative article and learn how to properly care for and store American memorial flags!

Important Notes

1. Read and follow any care instructions that came with the flag. However, these instructions are likely applicable for flags that will be used, not stored American memorial flags.

2. If your memorial flag is 30 years old or older, consult a conservator or a textile specialist about cleaning techniques. You may contact a member of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) with flag-related questions.

Here is also a list of Antique American Flag Experts you can contact for advice.

Cleaning an American Memorial Flag

Keeping the American flag clean is an important part of caring for it. Dust and dust are abrasives that wear the fabric out. To remove dust and loose dirt, you can usually vacuum it. To do this, spread the American memorial flag out on a clean, flat surface. Cover it completely with a piece of cheesecloth or a fiberglass screen to protect it from being snagged or torn. Hold the material in place while you gently vacuum the American flag with a clean brush attachment and a low-suction sweeper. But- don't run the brush back and forth across the memorial flag. This can stretch and stress the fabric. Instead, vacuum in and up-and-down motion as you move across the fabric.

The less your memorial flag is washed, the better. But, spills and stubborn dirt spots can usually be removed by washing your American flag. Wash it gently by hand using cool water and a mild, low-sudsing soap. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water, but do not wring it out. Instead, to properly care for your American memorial flag, roll it up to remove excess water. Then, lay it out flat and allow it to air dry. Don't place the flag in direct sunlight.

Storing an American Memorial Flag

Before you store your memorial flag, it must be clean and completely dry. It shouldn't be folded because the creases can become permanent. The creases will cause weak places in the fabric. To properly care for and store an American memorial flag laid-out flat, you'll need a piece of acid-free paper that measures a bit larger than the flag. Lay the paper out on a clean, flat surface. Then, lay the flag out on top of it. Cover the memorial flag with another piece of acid-free paper to protect it.

If space is limited, you can roll your American memorial flag to store it. Use a tube that's made of acid-free material. You can also cover a mailing tube with aluminum foil and roll it up on that. Then, wrap your American flag with a piece of clean, unbleached muslin to help protect it from acidic surfaces such as wood and ordinary cardboard.

To properly care for and store your American memorial flag, choose a cool, dark place that has normal humidity. Outbuildings, basements and attics are typically the worst places because of extreme temperatures, humidity, mildew and pests. Don't store the flag with mothballs or other chemicals.

Resources
http://www.nava.org/Flag%20Resources/index.htm
http://www.heritagepreservation.org/NEWS/flag.htm