Flag washing

Created on

20.06.2023

Dirty or frayed flags do not make the best impression on passers-by. So that you can enjoy your flag for longer, we would like to explain a few important points about washing flags and cleaning flags. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only increase the durability of the flag, but also ensure that you present yourself in the best light with a radiant flag.

You can clean your flag quickly and easily in a conventional washing machine. There are only a few points to bear in mind. (Image: ©Goffkein/stock.adobe.com)

Flag cleaning: Do it yourself

Modern flags and banners are usually printed on polyester. Once they are hoisted, the fabric acts like a filter. Dust and dirt stick to it, reducing the color intensity. Due to the slow and even soiling, you will only notice this effect after a certain amount of time. If your flagpole is right next to a road, you will notice the fading more quickly. At a certain point, you will notice the dirt and see that the flag on the pole is no longer achieving its optimum effect. In terms of sustainability, you do not need to replace your flag with a new one, but can easily wash it or have it professionally cleaned.

The following steps should be followed when washing with a conventional household washing machine:

Remove fixed parts such as hooks or carabiners before washing.
Soak the flag in clear water for a few hours before washing.
Select the normal washing program for polyester.
You can wash the flag fabric at up to 60 degrees, just like your clothes.
Use a detergent without bleach so that the colors remain full and rich.
Do not use the spin program and remove the flag from the washing machine dripping wet after the wash cycle.
When drying, make sure you hang it up carefully so that your flag retains its shape.
As soon as the flag is dry, fit the previously removed parts.
You can then hoist it again.

To avoid damaging the print and the material, we advise against dry cleaning. Colors can fade quickly. If the degree of soiling is so high that cleaning in the washing machine does not achieve the desired effect, you should consider professional cleaning. Contact the flag manufacturer, who can achieve a better result with special programs.

How often can flags be washed?

Flags and bunting should be cleaned every six months. Dust and dirt caused by the weather or a busy road can be removed more easily if you wash flags more often. If your flag becomes soiled more quickly due to the location where it is displayed, a half-yearly frequency is not sufficient - if you wait too long, you will not achieve a satisfactory washing result.

Further tips for washing flags

Check your flags occasionally for wear. If fraying occurs, the ends can be cut off and re-sewn. Only use strong, synthetic thread (polyester) for this. This will slow down further fraying of the thread and extend the life of your flag or banner. You should re-sew from a degree of destruction of level 2. From level 5, it will be difficult to repair the seam yourself and you should have it professionally repaired.

When storing the flags , we strongly recommend that you do not fold them, but hang them up in a dry place where it is as dust-free and airy as possible. A piece of Swiss stone pine is ideal as moth protection.

Professional flag cleaning

If you wash your flag in a conventional washing machine, it is often only cleaned superficially, deep-seated dirt sticks and makes the colors look pale over time despite washing. To ensure that you still get the desired result, you should have the laundry washed by the manufacturer.

The POWERWASH and POWERREPAIR program from FAHNENGÄRTNER was developed for these cases. Through years of experience and many test series, a gentle special program has been developed over time that makes heavily soiled flags look like new. In many cases, a small repair of the flag is also necessary to slow down natural wear and tear.

It is also often advisable to repair heavily worn areas. For this reason, we use our expertise to assess the flag and inform you if a repair is recommended.

Washing results

Your ADVANTAGES with our service:

Our professional flag cleaning will make your flag look like new.
We clean your flag in an ecologically safe way.
With our know-how, we can repair minor damage in the best possible way and thus prevent major damage.
Depending on the condition of the flag, it will be shortened or the corner rounded off.
If necessary, the seams are refitted and loosened carabiner loops are reattached.
We clean your flags using a specially developed washing formula that removes heavy soiling and stains.
This brings out the brilliance of the colors again and removes any grey haze from white surfaces.
Your flag as a means of advertising and representation will shine like new again.

What you need to consider for professional flag cleaning at FAHNENGÄRTNER

Experience has shown us that the best results can be achieved with our POWERFLAG. But you can also have our STANDARDFLAG or DYNAMICFLAG washed. With these two qualities, the wear and tear should not be too great. If the flags are too damaged , repairs are often very costly and without prior repair the fabric cannot be cleaned without further tearing.

Flag washing procedure at Fahnengärtner

Bring or send your soiled flags to FAHNENGÄRTNER.
We will wash them professionally with the POWERWASH and POWERREPAIR service developed for you.
If necessary, we will repair frayed or weak areas.
You will receive your flag as good as new.

Alternatively, you can also conveniently order flag washing via the online store . The prerequisite for online processing is that you have purchased the flag from FAHNENGÄRTNER and that it is of POWERFLAG quality.

To the online store

Our experts will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about flag washing.