Best Way to Clean Flag Poles

If you have a flagpole in your front yard, chances are you fly a flag on it with pride. If the flag you fly makes you proud, the flagpole should also probably be cleaned and free of debris. Cleaning a flag pole may sound easier than it actually is. You have a tall narrow pole that usually has nothing else around it for support. Added to the difficulty is some people like to spruce up their flagpole by putting flowers and plants around the base. So, what is the best way to clean the flag pole without damaging the plants, or yourself? Follow these helpful guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tall step ladder
• Extended handle scrubbing brush
• Bucket
• Mild soap
• Water
• Garden hose

1. Spray off the flagpole using a moderate spray with the garden hose. Start at the top of the pole and work your way down. This allows any dirt that may be towards the top to run down the flagpole. As you spray your way down, you basically help "chase" the dirt towards the bottom.

2. Fill the bucket with warm soapy water using a mild soap.

3. Place the stepladder on an even surface near the flagpole. Use care not to trample any plants that may be planted around the base. Get as close to the pole as you can while still being able to keep the ladder steady on even ground.

4. Climb the ladder as far as you need to go to reach the top of the flagpole with the scrubbing brush in your hand. Have your helper hold the ladder steady.

5. Scrub the flagpole starting at the top and working your way down. You may need to dip your scrubbing brush in the bucket several times.

6. Rinse the soapy water off the flagpole once it is scrubbed down once again using the garden hose. Make sure that you remove all the soap or it may leave a residue. Allow the flagpole to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a pulley mechanism on your ladder, it may be safer and less work if you used that for your bucket. To keep your flag looking good, you may want to take the flag down prior to cleaning the flagpole.
• The ground may be very wet after you spray down the flagpole the first time. This may cause the ground to become soft and more unstable. Use caution when placing your ladder in the area.