After a flag-waving summer season, Old Glory might need a little sprucing up.

Here are some flag care tips from the Soap and Detergent Association:

• Check for rips and tears, and repair them promptly to extend the flag's life.

• If the flag is displayed indoors or in a sheltered location, vacuum it periodically to remove dust and loose dirt. Spread the flag on a flat surface (not the ground). Cover the vacuum cleaner's brush attachment with a piece of cheesecloth, and gently pat the fabric to remove the particles.

• A stained or dirty flag should be dry cleaned or gently washed by hand. Dry cleaning is the preferred method for most fabrics. Some dry cleaners will clean a U.S. flag for free.

• If you hand wash the flag, use cool water and mild detergent. Gently scrub spots or stains. Rinse thoroughly and lay the flag flat to dry, making sure it doesn't touch the ground, per flag etiquette.

• If desired, the flag can be ironed.

• When a flag is so worn that it's no longer serviceable, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Check with a local American Legion post or Scout troop to ask whether it retires flags.