While digital payments are growing, paper currency remains widely used, especially in certain industries and countries. This creates significant health risks, as banknotes frequently change hands and can carry pathogens. One approach to address this would be to create professional currency cleaning services that sanitize cash without damaging it.

The need for clean cash

Paper money often harbors bacteria and viruses due to constant circulation. High-risk environments include:

• Food service businesses where employees handle cash and food
• Casinos and retail stores with heavy cash flow
• Situations involving immunocompromised individuals

Current solutions are limited - UV light in bank counters only detects counterfeits (with incidental cleaning), while DIY methods risk damaging currency.

Specialized cleaning services

The concept involves establishing professional currency cleaning through:

1. Physical locations where staff inspect, clean (using approved antimicrobial methods), dry and optionally coat bills
2. Self-service kiosks for convenient access
3. Mobile units for events and business partnerships

Key considerations would include developing Treasury-approved cleaning techniques that don't trigger counterfeit sensors, and ensuring secure handling through armored transport partnerships.

Potential implementation

A phased approach could help validate and scale this concept:

• Start with pilot programs testing consumer willingness-to-pay and business adoption
• Expand through kiosks in high-traffic areas and B2B services
• Eventually franchise or partner with financial institutions

Revenue might come from per-transaction fees, subscriptions for businesses, or premium services like protective coatings.

While cash usage patterns are changing, this service could find strong demand in cash-heavy sectors and regions, potentially expanding to other high-touch items if needed. The key would be demonstrating health benefits while maintaining currency integrity.