Outdoor flags take a lot of abuse. Wind, rain, dust, sunlight, and pollution all contribute to wear and tear on a flag left flying outside. Even the best flag fabrics are in the final analysis still cloth and will eventually deteriorate. By following a few simple guidelines, though, you can extend the life of your outdoor flags and increase the value of your investment.  Bring in your flags during especially bad weather. Modern flags are usually made of synthetic fabrics such as nylon or polyester. These fabrics withstand the abuse of weather much better than the traditional flag fabrics of cotton and wool and have been designated as "all weather" fabrics. Even though, common sense dictates that you bring flags in during times of especially bad weather. One violent storm can destroy a flag.  Clean your flags. Airborne dirt particles become lodged between the fibers of your flag. These particles have jagged edges and can actually cut the fibers. Occasional cleaning will remove these dirt particles and keep your flag bright and lasting longer. To clean a flag, hand wash in cold water with Woolite or some other non-detergent soap.  Repair frayed edges. Outdoor flags are finished with strong nylon thread and several rows of stitching. Eventually, though, the constant wear and tear of outdoor use will cause the corner(s) of the flag to begin to fray. When you see your flag begin to fray, repair the frayed edge to increase the life of the flag. We at Dixie Flag Manufacturing Company offer a repair service for outdoor flags at a nominal price. By repairing worn flags quickly, you can greatly increase the overall life of the flags. Back to tipsheets Dixie Flag Manufacturing Company 1930 N. Pan Am / PO Box 8618 / San Antonio, TX 78208 Toll-Free (800)356-4085 / Fax : (210)227-5920 E-mail : dixieflg@dixieflag.com