Q&A for How to Clean Money

That ink is designed to stay on there, so you can't just wash the bills or scrape off the ink. Criminals also don't care about getting rid of the ink. The money usually circulates in their inner circles first in the criminal underworld, as in "You buy my drugs with your stolen money, I buy your guns with my stolen money." They don't usually deposit it into their bank accounts, at which point the bank would check the money for ink.

These inks are meant to be permanent and are difficult, if not impossible, to remove without damaging the notes. Attempting to clean them can be considered tampering, which may be illegal. It's best to take the notes to your bank, explain the situation, and they may verify and exchange them for you.

Place the bills in a sealable plastic bag with baking soda to absorb odors without damaging the bills. Let them sit for a day or two, then gently brush off the baking soda. Alternatively, air them out on a clean surface in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

Dyes on banknotes are meant to be permanent and difficult to remove. You can try gently dabbing the stained area with a cloth dipped in soapy water, but avoid rubbing hard or using harsh chemicals. If the dye remains, it's best to take the notes to a bank.

To disinfect paper money, make a mild solution by mixing water with a small amount of dish soap. Lightly dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe each side of the bills, being careful not to tear them. Lay the bills flat to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, and avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking the bills in liquid.