Need advice how to wash flags

[aaabbb]

One of my naval flags of USSR looks to be quite old (dated 1952, with some dirt). It seems to be made of silk, how to wash it? Can I use some hand lotion?

[deValcourt]

Could you post some pictures so we can see what sort of "dirt" you are talking about and the texture of the material in question? I would not be too quick to "wash" anything until we heard from a few of the learned cloth guys.:)

Phillip

[NTAT]

aaabbb

I agree with deValcourt. I wouldn't do anything until I heard from someone with the proper knowledge. My vote - Doug Drabik is your guy. Besides being a fantasic individual, in my opinion he's the final expert on cloth.

Good Luck:thumbsup
Gerry
NTAT

[Lapa]

...how to wash it?...

In short: DON'T!

Marc

[Esteban_cool]

I second Marc´s opinion. Whatever it is, whatever the kind of dirt, it´s NEVER good to wash or clean an item.
At least have in mind you´re having not only a flag, but authentic soviet dirt! :D You´ll never find anywhere in the world such fine dirt, produced for, by, and to the people´s masses who fought imperialism through their heroic class struggle!

[CtahhR]

I bought two Bulgarian award banners some years ago and one of then had some holes in it (could have been a mouse) and I had a fun time finding cloth to sew a patch on to the afflicted area. I got some very strange looks and questions when I had it out in a Joann Fabrics matching the colour! It depends on the type of dirt on the flag as to whether or not it should be cleaned. I've made many items look like new with a soft (or sometimes not so soft) brush. Unfortunately that doesn't work for blood stains so I do have a large number of blood stained items that I can't put in the washing machine for obvious reasons and aren't the sort of things to be taking down to the local Hertz dry cleaner.

[DougD]

aaabbb,

I have to concur, just leave it the way it is...do not try to put lotion, cleaner, etc. on it, you will never get it out. You can air it out, hit it with a broom, etc., but don;t go crazy...dirt is history!

DougD

[aaabbb]

Could you post some pictures so we can see what sort of "dirt" you are talking about and the texture of the material in question? I would not be too quick to "wash" anything until we heard from a few of the learned cloth guys.:)

Phillip

Here's the photo, it's a very common naval ensign flag. Should be made from silk, it's made in 1952. Not in very good condition.

[DougD]

Very nice flag; shake it outdoors, maybe use a light brush, then leave it as is.

[deValcourt]

Agreed. Any spots of discoloration or "dirt" will only add to the historical character of the flag when you display it.

Phillip