Buyer beware of cleaned notes

[ThePloughman]

I dont like cleaned or pressed notes, it's like polishing a coin, you can see the added scratches. It is adding damage to something, which then degrades it a bit more, that's what then reduces the value imho.

[ThePloughman]

Guys, is this note washed?
There is a white streak thru the portrait area and in other areas. But the edges look ok and there is dirt on the back.

[Series B notes]

Yes. I have seen washed notes that are still surprisingly dirty, and with decent edges. The artificial look is the giveaway here.
Here is another example of a washed 10 shilling. Note the white areas, and the grubbiness.

[DOC]

No doubt about it, these are examples of badly washed notes.

[Mac]

It does look like a white streak from some cleaning agent on the fold through Lady Lavery's nose on the 1939 note, and another streak through the 6 on the right side serial number. A shame to see this on an previously decent grade early note.