I have a huge American flag that's dusty

[Syrinx]

Is it okay to wash it? I would have to go to a laundry because it's really big. Would I get freeped?

[Rocinante]

1. You could call your local VFW

They could probably help.

[Syrinx]

2. hey dude!

Do you mean they would tell me what to do, or would wash it for me? :)

[Rocinante]

4. Would do both

I have a brother who belongs and they help out folks on flag etiquitte(sp) they dispose of worn out flags for folks and I know of one time when they washed a flag for the high school when a kid dropped it in a puddle. The rules may be that it should have been burned I don't know, but money is tight and they cleaned it.

[Syrinx]

5. I definitely don't want to bury it

My grandfather was a WWII vet and it's the flag that was draped over his coffin.

I put it up I think on September 12, 2001. (It took me a little while to find it.) I was in patriotic fervor mode.

I've thought of turning it upside down a couple of times. But now, I just want to clean it and put it back in storage.

[Rocinante]

6. Hey man

just call 'em up tell them your story and I think they will help you out. If not it can be done up here for you. I guarantee it.

[Syrinx]

11. thanks for the advice...

I hadn't even considered calling them. I think of the VFW mostly as a bar that's open on Sundays. :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. You don't have anyone's home you can go to?

To use their dryer?

Best thing to do is buy one of those home dry cleaning bags and run it on low thorugh the dryer if it's just dust and not anything else.
I have the flag that was draped over my dad's coffin. I understand the connection. :D

[Syrinx]

8. it doesn't look like it'll fit in the drier

But I'll try if you say so. ;)

[Rocinante]

10. Naw don't do that

Pm me and I will tell you how to get it done.

[WindBreak]

3. Just treat it respectfully n/t

[SOteric]

9. Here's a page on flag protocol

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html#1

It doesn't specifically answer your question, but does reference the VFW, and the Elks Lodge as resources of further information regarding appropriate actions and use for the flag.

[trof]

12. CLEANING THE FLAG

http://www.colonialflag.com/article.php?article_id=1

From the chaos of a heated battlefield to the daily flag ceremonies of a scout troop camping high in the mountains, flags have proved to be strong and resilient in all kinds of situations, but not indestructible. Preventing damage to your flag is not always possible, but by following some simple care-taking tips, you can extend the life of your flag.


Cleaning flags. Dust, smoke, and other harmful pollutants can cause your flag to wear and age quickly. If possible, choose to fly your flag in a clean environment. When your flag becomes dirty, wash it in warm water with a mild detergent, making sure to rinse it thoroughly—leaving no residue behind that can cause discoloration. Do not store your flag until it is completely dry.

[trof]

13. another thought

You got a bathtub?
That'd do it.
Then just hang it out to dry.

[ScreamingMeemie]

14. The part about "chose to fly your flag in a clean environment" gave me

the giggles. Is that even possible in this polluted environment anymore?;-)

[CanuckAmok]

17. "choose to fly your flag in a clean environment"

So is Chimpy making it impossible for Americans to obey Flag Etiquette?

Sounds like grounds for a lawsuit! I wonder if you could get the VFW to back you up on that one...

[Don_G]

15. Wonder If The Freepers Know

Or would understand why you want to keep the Flag?

Might be an interesting subject to watch.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

16. Wash it

We have one hung up on the ceiling at work. We take it down twice a year to wash it. It's kind of a parachute material, though. If it's cloth, DO NOT WASH IT. THe proper way to dispose of a cloth flag is to burn it, and bury it. Your local American Legion will do it for you if you just can't bring yourself to burn it.
Duckie

[Don_G]

19. Maybe Rinse It In Water And Fabric Softener?

I wouldn't put in a dryer though. Heat shrinks some fabrics as my jeans let me know at every oppourtunity.

[Bossy Monkey]

18. Around here most dry cleaners have signs up saying Flags cleaned for free

You might call around. Actually, I think the Flag Code might call for burning, but you get very few who remember that now.

[karlschneider]

20. If you need to dispose of it, it is okay to burn it. But ONLY if you are

thinking the proper thoughts when you do so.
:eyes: