Flag Care & Etiquette: How to Respect and Maintain Your Australian Flag

Displaying the Australian flag is an act of national pride, remembrance, and respect. Whether you’re raising the Australian National Flag, Aboriginal Flag, Torres Strait Islander Flag, or another state or ceremonial flag, treating it with care and following the correct protocols ensures you uphold its significance.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know into two key areas:

1. 🧼 Flag Care: Extend the Life of Your Flag

Australian flags are built for durability, but they're still fabric flying against wind, sun, and rain. Like any textile exposed to the elements, flags need thoughtful care to stay vibrant and in good condition.

🌀 General Care Tips

• Take it down during extreme weather: High winds and UV exposure are the biggest threats to flag longevity. Remove the flag during storms or prolonged heat.

• Don’t fly your flag 24/7: Flags flown only during the day tend to last twice as long. Bringing it in at dusk preserves colour and stitching

• Ensure it’s dry before storing: Moisture can lead to mould and mildew. Always store in a cool, dry place

• Avoid harsh detergents: Use a mild soap and cold water. Never use bleach, and avoid machine washing unless your flag is made from durable polyester and the label explicitly allows it.

🧺 How to Wash Your Flag

• Hand wash with a gentle detergent.

• Rinse thoroughly to remove residue.

• Air dry flat or on a line in the shade—never tumble dry.

🏳 Folding the Australian Flag (Traditional Method)

1. Lay it flat with the Union Jack in the bottom-left corner.

2. Fold lengthwise twice.

3. Bring both ends together.

4. Fold accordion-style (concertina).

5. Wrap the rope around the folded flag to secure it

💡 Did you know? Flags flown at extreme heights wear out faster due to higher wind velocity. Even flagpole placement affects lifespan!

⏳ How Long Should a Flag Last?

A quality flag, properly cared for, can last 6 to 12 months. But that can vary widely:

• Exposed coastal locations? Closer to 3 months.

• Rotating between two flags? Possibly 18–24 months.

• Left out in high winds 24/7? As little as 1 month.

💬 Pro Tip: Rotate two flags to double their lifespan. Swap when one shows wear and send the other for repair.

2. 🎖 Flag Etiquette: Honour the National Symbol

Caring for your flag physically is only part of the responsibility. Following proper flag protocol shows deep respect for Australia’s national identity.

🕘 When to Fly

• Sunrise to sunset is the standard. If flown at night, it must be properly illuminated.

• Raise briskly and lower ceremoniously.

• Take down during inclement weather.

💡 Displaying the Flag Correctly

• Hoist it free: The flag should never touch the ground or lie limp.

• Top left corner (Union Jack) should always be in the top left from the observer’s point of view.

• On a wall, hang the flag with the Union Jack in the upper left, whether vertical or horizontal.

❌ What Not to Do

• Never use the flag as a tablecloth, curtain, or cover for a statue or monument.

• Don’t drape it over boxes, platforms, or as decoration beneath waist height.

• Never place a flag on the ground or let it trail behind vehicles.

📚 For full details, visit the official Australian Government flag protocol guidelines.

✅Your flag is more than fabric—it’s a living symbol of Australia’s past, present, and future.

 Treating it with dignity not only extends its life but also honours the nation it represents.

Need a replacement or a second flag for rotation?
👉 Buy online at Evan Evans — Australia’s trusted name in flag making for over 150 years.

Yes, but only if it is properly illuminated. The flag should be clearly visible and respectfully displayed after dark.

Clean your flag when it becomes noticeably dirty or stained. Use cold water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach and machine drying.

Lay the flag flat, fold it lengthwise twice, bring ends together, and concertina fold. Secure with the rope. Never let it touch the ground.

No. The flag should never be used as a table cover, curtain, or decoration beneath waist height. Use a plain cloth instead.

Traditionally, the flag is flown from sunrise to sunset. Remove it during bad weather to extend its lifespan.

Yes, the Australian flag can be flown on any day. It is especially encouraged on national days such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day, and Remembrance Day. You may fly it year-round if done respectfully.

While it's not illegal, flying a severely torn or faded flag is considered disrespectful. It's best to retire damaged flags and replace them promptly.
👉 Buy a new flag online

Yes. When flown with other national flags, the Australian flag should take precedence. It should be flown on the left of the observer facing the flags. If flown with state, company, or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander flags, specific arrangements apply.
📖 View official flag protocol

Yes. When hanging the flag indoors, the Union Jack should be in the upper left (as seen by the observer). The flag may be displayed vertically or horizontally, provided it is hung respectfully.

Yes! At Evan Evans, we’re committed to reducing waste through our dedicated Recycling Program. We accept used flags and fabric banners for recycling. Simply contact us to arrange drop-off or collection.

📩 Contact us to organise a recycling collection or to find out more.
🌱 Learn more about our sustainability commitment