Tweedy [14] reported that identifiable fingerprints can persist on plastic carrier bags for over seven years.

Beside above, can fingerprints be wiped off? Barring some extraordinary science that has escaped me, yes. Wiping down almost any surface will at least smear any latent fingerprints that may be there. Wiping down almost any surface will at least smear any latent fingerprints that may be there. The prints will be difficult, at best, to recover and identify.

Simply so, how do you remove smudges from plastic?

Apply a small amount of fine abrasive plastic polish to marks that dont come off and rub them with the same type of cloth. A soft linen or cotton cloth is best; avoid abrasive materials such as terry cloth or paper towels. Remove deeper scratches with wet-dry sandpaper. Start with 600-grit paper.

Does water destroy fingerprints?

Thus, latent finger or palm prints deposited only in eccrine gland secretions are usually destroyed (dissolved) when the surface bearing such impressions is submersed in water. In some circumstances, fingerprints deposited in water soluble contaminants and allowed to dry before submersion may survive.