Winter is here and you’re already wondering if it’s a good idea to put your flag away. The American flag has been on display in your front yard in its full glory for almost a year now. And you don’t feel right putting it away in storage just because it’s snowing outside.
But one thing you’re having trouble with is that you’re not sure how you can keep your flag safe from the frosty weather. You know that nothing will happen to the flagpole. But what about the fabric of the flag?
How are you going to protect it from moisture? How are you going to make sure the snow doesn’t damage it?
Flag maintenance is easy when done right. With that in mind, here’s what you can do to protect your flag during winters:
Make Sure to Purchase a Nylon Flag
If you’re worried about not being able to display the flag because of the weather, we recommend purchasing a nylon flag. This is because, unlike cotton (the material most flags are made of), nylon doesn’t absorb moisture.
Nylon is also perfect for harsher weather. So, in case there’s a snowstorm or it rains, your flag is safe. The moisture will not damage the fabric and you don’t have to worry about the colors bleeding or fading.
Make Sure to Clean Your Flagpole Regularly
The flagpole is an important part of displaying the flag. Unlike the flag itself, you can’t move the flagpole. So you need to make sure to properly clean it so water and moisture don’t seep into the pole.
Moisture can lead to fungus and rust. One of the best ways to clean the flag is to use a dry cloth to remove any moisture or residue.
But if you have to clean stains, you can use warm water and a mild detergent. But make sure to dry the pole properly after you’re done.
A neat trick to cleaning the whole flagpole is to attach the sponge to the halyard of the pole. Then raise the halyard all the way up. This way, the sponge will clean the flagpole without you having to climb up a ladder and risking getting injured.
Put the Flag Away During Harsh Weather Conditions
Displaying your flag usually isn’t a problem during winters. It’s when the weather conditions get worse that proves to be a problem. Make sure to check the weather forecast regularly and in case there’s a snowstorm coming, pull your flag down and store it away.
You can also display your flag inside if it’s medium-sized. But make sure to check that the flagpole hasn’t incurred any damage after the storm has passed. During winters, it’s often the flagpoles that need to be looked after than the flag itself.
The cold weather and air can cause the halyard rope to dry-rot and fray. You’ll have to check the parts regularly, in case they need to be replaced.
You Can Wash the Flag
If you have a nylon or polyester flag, the good news is that you can wash the flag if it gets dirty. But make sure to hand wash it and don’t use harsh detergents. A mild detergent will suffice.
Don’t put the flag in a dryer. You can hang it outside to dry on its own. But also make sure you don’t wash the flag regularly, or else the colors may bleed.
Washing it once a month will do.
In Conclusion
Taking care of your flag doesn’t have to be difficult. Using these tips can help you keep your flag safe during harsh weather conditions. But it’s also important to remember to invest in high-quality flags so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged.
This is where we come in.
At Federal Flags, we don’t compromise on quality. We are a local U.S. based company offering high-quality American flags and state flags and for sale online. We’re dedicated to providing customers with superior-quality American flags that are made from polyester and nylon. The best thing about our flags is that they are moisture-resistant and won’t wear out easily.
If you have tips that you’d like to add to the list and feel like we’ve missed something, feel free to drop a comment below!
