# How can I get the folds out of a 5' X 7' flag?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-the-folds-out-of-a-5-x-7-flag/263029
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [September 3, 2004, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-the-folds-out-of-a-5-x-7-flag/263029 "2004-09-03T21:52:56Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@PaulFitzroy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PaulFitzroy)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2004, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-the-folds-out-of-a-5-x-7-flag/263029/1 "2004-09-03T21:52:56Z")
I ordered a ‘Gadsden Flag’ off of Ebay (the flag with the snake and the motto ‘Don’t Tread On Me,’) and it came today folded into eighths heightwise. Therefore its overall appearance looks like a series of sharply creased squares, rather than being flat and smooth.
[Image of the situation](http://home.earthlink.net/~bcnovelties/BCNFLAGS/GADSEN.jpg)
I can’t iron the flag because it’s polyester. How do I get these creases out? I’m planning to hang this flag on the wall.
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### Author:  [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2004, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-the-folds-out-of-a-5-x-7-flag/263029/2 "2004-09-03T22:07:34Z")
> [@PaulFitzroy](#):
>
> I ordered a ‘Gadsden Flag’ off of Ebay (the flag with the snake and the motto ‘Don’t Tread On Me,’) and it came today folded into eighths heightwise. Therefore its overall appearance looks like a series of sharply creased squares, rather than being flat and smooth.
>
> [Image of the situation](http://home.earthlink.net/~bcnovelties/BCNFLAGS/GADSEN.jpg)
>
> I can’t iron the flag because it’s polyester. How do I get these creases out? I’m planning to hang this flag on the wall.
I iron polyester all the time.
I turn it inside out and use a press cloth on low to medium steam. :eek: 😃
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### Author:  [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2004, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-the-folds-out-of-a-5-x-7-flag/263029/3 "2004-09-03T22:11:06Z")
> [@](#):
>
> General Polyester Fiber Care Tips
>
> o Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried. Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. Machine dry at a low temperature and remove articles as soon as the tumbling cycle is completed.
> **o If ironing is desired, use a moderately warm iron.**
> o Most items made from polyester can be dry-cleaned.
Source: [http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/polyester.htm](http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/polyester.htm)
> [@](#):
>
> Polyester: Use warm water add fabric softener to final rinse, machine dry low and remove promptly from dryer. **If ironing is needed use a moderate warm setting.** All polyesters can be dry cleaned.
Source: [http://www.interiormall.com/fabric\_care.html](http://www.interiormall.com/fabric_care.html)
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### Author:  [@Cherry2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cherry2000)
#### Post date: [September 4, 2004, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-the-folds-out-of-a-5-x-7-flag/263029/4 "2004-09-04T02:32:49Z")
I would be careful ironing not because of the fabric the flag is made if, but because of the printed image. I would try to keep the iron off of that area, and maybe just try to lightly steam it. At least use a pressing cloth of some type (like, a small towel between your iron and your flag.