How to Remove Fingerprints From Paper Money

How to Remove Fingerprints From Paper Money
Written By
Jess Jones
Jess Jones
Published: Jan 25, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Clean blank sheet of 81/2 by 11 inch paper
  • Rubber gloves
  • Vulcanized rubber dry-cleaning sponge

To remove dirt, bacteria, and overall grime from paper money is simple, but must be done carefully. If you are too rough with the money, it can easily tear or become defaced which will cause it to no longer be legal tender.

  1. Prepare a clean dry flat surface. A kitchen table or counter top will work fine.

  2. Lay down a clean blank sheet of 81/2 by 11 inch paper. This will catch the grime that comes off of the money.

  3. Put on rubber gloves to prevent any of your skin's oils from transferring to the paper money while you are cleaning it.

  4. Rub the bill with your vulcanized rubber dry-cleaning sponge in short, gentle strokes for about two minutes. Grime as well as the fingerprints will start to come off. This will be evident by the dirt that will begin to accumulate on the sheet of clean paper.

  5. Continue to rub the bill with the sponge until the area with fingerprints has been brushed clean.

Photo Credits

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Jess Jones

Jess Jones has been a freelance writer since 2005. She has been a featured contributing writer for "Curve Magazine" and she teaches English composition at a small college in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her Master of Arts in English…

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