The study showed 10 million E. coli bacteria can be eliminated within 10 minutes on a dry copper surface.

In a clean, dry copper bowl, or in bowl of electric mixer, whip egg whites slowly until they start to foam.

Studies suggest that exposure to dry copper surfaces inhibits the respiration and growth of producers by releasing copper ions.

The study 'Inactivation of norovirus on dry copper alloy surfaces' is published in the latest issue of the journal PLOS ONE.