In the early 20th century, the U.S. Department of Treasury invented a money-washing machine that cleaned and dried more than 35,000 notes per day.
Money-laundering sounds like an easy way to end up in jail, but what do you do when you have a bunch of grimy bank notes?
Before you start cleaning, consider the options. If the paper currency is more than 50 years old, it is best to leave it be, as the material has aged too much to be cleaned in most manners. It is still worth a lot to collectors. If you simply wish to clean the currency enough to use it again as tender, perhaps you should go to your local bank. Most banks will provide a crisp bank note of equal value. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing states that bank notes can be exchanged for face value if more than 50 percent of an identifiable note is present and the supporting evidence demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Treasury that the missing portions have been totally destroyed. In short, don't go ripping those dollar bills in half thinking you can get a 2-for-1 deal.
Note that paper money is not actually paper. U.S. bank notes consist of 75 percent cotton and 25 percent linen, so you are actually washing fabric. There are also red and blue threads distributed throughout that keep the currency together, meaning it is manufactured to withstand wear and tear, not to look pretty.
Instructions
Cleaning Paper Money
1. Fill bowl with warm water, adding a small amount of dish detergent to create a soapy mixture.
2. Place paper money on a clean, flat surface. Lightly dip a corner of the soft rag in the soapy water and, starting from the middle of the money, brush it laterally toward the edges. Brush past the edges of the paper money to avoid tearing the corners. Do this for roughly three minutes.
3. Brush the money gently in a circular motion with a slightly moistened soft rag or Q-tip. Again, be careful around the edges. Do this for roughly two minutes. Most paper bills have series of red and blue threads distributed in them that make cleaning harder than on regular paper or fabric.
4. Turn the money over and repeat steps 1 through 3.
5. Once your money is washed, use a dry, soft rag to wipe any excess soap or water away. Lightly pat down the paper money until it is fairly dry. If the paper money is brittle, use a Q-tip around the edges.
6. Place the paper currency in the middle of a thick book, making sure that the entire bill is within the pages. As long as you don't mind a slightly damp text for a brief period of time, this will dry the money quickly and flatten it. Leave the paper money in the book for at least five hours.
Do not try to iron the money; ironing may cause further damage and weaken the integrity of the material.
7. If you need the money dried faster, use a hair dryer on the low heat setting. Too much heat can cause the fabric to become brittle.
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