Cash Hygiene: The Hidden Health Trap

When you think of hidden health traps, the cash you’re spending is likely last on your list. However, there’s little in our daily lives less hygienic than money! Every note and coin you handle comes with a free coating of the dirt, grime, bacteria, and viruses of everyone who has handled the currency before you. While it’s not the primary purpose of a note counter or money sorter, keeping you and your staff healthier and cleaner is a huge hidden benefit. Today, the LJ International team digs deeper into the literal definition of ‘dirty money’- and how to minimise your exposure to this potential germ trap.

Is Money Actually Dirty?

The average coin or note will change hands around 60 times a year from the moment it is minted. As even most paper currency will remain in circulation for up to 5 years, that’s a whole lot of hands to pass through!

As with the US dollar, South African bank notes are made from a cotton substrate. While this makes for a robust banknote that can stand up to being traded many times, it also makes for stellar germ catching. The antiseptic qualities of copper and copper alloys make coins a little cleaner- but only a little. Scarily, when scientists have studied the germ-carrying potential of notes, specifically, they often pick up traces of cocaine and other street drugs, too, as some users will roll up bank notes to inhale their fix.

Luckily, the news isn’t all bad. Because notes typically stay dry, and in a variety of inhospitable temperatures, you have to be unlucky to get sick from directly handling cash. However, remember that those germs will cling to anything- your hands included- and spread from there, making them an ideal transmission vector for a range of nasties. One of the most common microbes found on money in the US is also responsible for acne breakouts- now imagine handling your cash and touching your skin!

Can Money Be Disinfected?

There are some steps you can take to reduce the germ burden on your hard-earned cash. For example, it’s a great idea to get into the habit of wiping down your bank cards (and phone screen) with an alcohol wipe regularly. Coins can be washed with soap and water if needed, and exposing your notes to sunshine allows UV light to bring some germ-busting power to the table. However, by far your best option is getting into the habit of washing or sanitising your hands after handling cash. While you are engaged with the currency, it’s also smart to train yourself not to touch your face, lips, eyes, or nose, in order to minimise accidental exposure.

If the idea of currency creepy-crawlies is still deeply off-putting, then now is the ideal time to introduce a note counter to your business. Not only does it offer a faster, more accurate way to count and sort your cash, it also minimises the time you spend exposed to anything it’s carrying, and greatly cuts down on the ‘dirty’ side of cash handling.

Looking for a smart, sanitary way to handle your cash? The LJ International team is always on hand to help you find the perfect money sorting solution for your business. Feel free to reach out to us today to find your perfect note counting machine.