If you accidentally leave dollar bills or any paper currency in your clothes and they go through the washing machine, several things may happen:
Damage: The dollar bills may become damaged due to the water, agitation, and spinning in the washing machine. The paper currency can tear, crumple, or disintegrate when exposed to moisture and the mechanical action of the machine.
Ink bleeding: The ink used on currency is designed to be relatively resistant to water, but it is not entirely waterproof. If the bills get excessively wet, there is a possibility that the ink may bleed or smudge, potentially making the bills illegible or difficult to use.
Loss of value: Even if the bills remain intact, their condition may deteriorate to the point where they are no longer accepted by businesses or banks. Banks have guidelines regarding damaged currency, and they may refuse to exchange or accept heavily damaged or illegible bills.
Counterfeit concerns: If the bills are severely damaged or the ink smudges to the point where the security features become compromised, there might be concerns that the bills are counterfeit. This could lead to difficulties in using or exchanging the currency.
If you accidentally wash dollar bills, it is recommended to let them air dry and then assess their condition. If the bills are significantly damaged or unreadable, you can take them to your local bank. Banks typically have procedures in place for handling damaged currency and may be able to replace the bills if they can ascertain their authenticity.
Remember, it's always a good idea to double-check your pockets before washing clothes to avoid any potential damage or inconvenience.