How to Remove Ink Off of Money

Published: Nov 10, 2009
Updated: Feb 5, 2019
1 minute read

For most, a little red ink here or there on a piece of money that you will only give to someone else in exchange for something you really want doesn't really mean much. To the avid collector, however, red or blue ink on a rare note can significantly reduce its value. For these collectors, the challenge is finding a paper money cleaning method which is strong enough to get out ink yet gentle enough to not damage the paper.

Practice the amount of pressure to use with a toothpick on a note of lesser (or no numismatic) value first. This can be an old one dollar bill.

Launder (literally) the money with regular clothing. Tie it in a cloth bag first. This is not advised for collectors, but it has been used by the Treasury Department as a way to clean soiled bills. Afterward, the bills were pressed, dried and returned to circulation.

Use hairspray or apply rubbing alcohol on the opposite side of the ink mark. Press the bill down on a wet white cloth. Slowly outline the ink stain with a toothpick; do not press hard. Use the toothpick as a way to apply specific pressure; do not rub.

Use Oxyclean detergent using the same method in step 3. This works well and is easy on paper. Use a paste, and apply with a toothpick.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • 1 dollar bill
  • Toothpick
  • Oxyclean (optional)
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hairspray
  • Water
  • Wet white cloth
  • Bradley James Bryant

    Working as a full-time freelance writer/editor for the past two years, Bradley James Bryant has over 1500 publications on eHow, LIVESTRONG.com and other sites. She has worked for JPMorganChase, SunTrust Investment Bank, Intel Corporation…

    Sponsored
    Our Pastimes Logo

    A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

    Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.