You keep a few tickets at home, “just in case”? You’re not alone. Many of us keep a small reserve of cash for the unforeseen everyday. But did you know that heat, moisture or poor conservation can damage your tickets over time? There is a trick that circulates more and more, simple and economical, that you may have already seen without really paying attention to it.
Aluminum foil to protect its banknotes: where does this idea come from?
We know it mainly to keep the remains of dinner, but aluminum foil has another surprising use: to protect banknotes. The idea is simple. Aluminum is an opaque material that creates a physical barrier against light and some external agents. It acts a bit like a light shield around your money.
This technique is particularly used by those who wish to keep tickets over a long period of time, without seeing them gradually deteriorate. It’s economical, fast, and it doesn’t require any special equipment.
But beware, significant shade: aluminum foil does not create an airtight envelope. It does not protect against ambient moisture. If your tickets are already slightly wet before being rolled up, or if the place where you store them is subject to infiltration, the risk of degradation remains present.
The right gestures to keep your tickets in perfect condition
Aluminum foil can be an ally, but it doesn’t do everything. The real protection starts with the choice of the storage location. Some golden rules to keep in mind:
– Check that your tickets are perfectly dry before storing them. – Avoid overly marked folds that can leave permanent traces. – Choose a suitable protective box before adding the aluminum foil. – Choose a cool, dry place and away from light: neither a humid cellar, no closet near a radiator, nor a sunny window.
A small water-resistant box can also do wonders. And if you have a safe, this is obviously the ideal solution, provided it is placed in a dry room.
