Should You Wash Fresh Eggs?
Backyard egg cleaning myths, facts, and fridge realities
There’s a lot of clucking online about whether or not you should wash farm-fresh eggs. Some say it ruins them. Others say it’s the only safe way to go. Here’s the dirt (and the poop) on when to wash, when not to, and why we don’t think a little rinse makes you the enemy of natural living.
🚑 The "Don't Wash Your Eggs" Rule
This advice comes from a real place: fresh eggs are laid with a natural protective coating called the bloom or cuticle. It seals tiny pores in the shell and keeps bacteria out.
When you wash an egg with water, you risk removing that bloom, which can let bacteria in—especially if the water is cooler than the egg (this creates a vacuum effect).
That’s why many countries, like the UK and much of Europe, don’t wash or refrigerate eggs at all—they rely on the bloom and quick turnover. In fact, eggs sold in these countries are often collected, stored, and sold without refrigeration and without any washing at all. Some small producers may lightly dry-brush dirty eggs, but there is no detergent-based sanitation process like in the U.S.
But let’s be real: sometimes that egg has literal poop on it. 💩
🧳 Our Rule: Clean Dirty Eggs, Store Clean Ones
In our flock, we don’t obsess over pristine bloom preservation, and we’re not putting chicken poop in the fridge.
We dry-brush or lightly buff any minor debris. But if an egg is visibly soiled with manure or mud, we give it a quick rinse in warm water and use those eggs first.
If we wash an egg, we store it in the fridge. If it was collected clean, we might leave it out for a day or two—but we refrigerate everything longer-term.
Shelf life can vary: unwashed eggs stored at room temperature are generally safe for 2–3 weeks, while washed and refrigerated eggs are best within 4–6 weeks.
I recommend this brush for both dry or wet brushing.
🍺 Wait, Doesn’t the Grocery Store Wash Eggs?
Yes—and that’s part of why you should refrigerate them. Commercial eggs in the U.S. are washed with detergent and sanitized, which strips away the bloom. That’s why refrigeration is required by law.
Backyard eggs can be cleaner than store-bought, not just because of how they’re handled, but because you control the coop.
❌ When NOT to Wash
- Never soak eggs or use cold water
- Don’t scrub aggressively or crack the shell
- Don’t wash eggs unless they’re dirty
📊 Egg Cleaning & Shelf Life Comparison
🐔 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Doing It Wrong
If your eggs are clean, skip the wash. If they’re poopy, rinse and refrigerate. If you prefer to leave the dirt on and let the bloom do its job, that’s okay too. Use common sense, handle with care, and remember: you’re already doing better than factory farms.
Got your own routine or trick for egg cleaning? Drop it in the comments or tag us @theroostnextdoor!
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