Should You Wash Eggs Before Using Them? Here’s What Experts Say

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You grab an egg from the carton and notice a little speck of dirt or straw on the shell. Your first thought: “I should wash it, right?”

Not so fast.

In most cases, it’s actually better not to wash your eggs before using them. If your eggs come straight from a farm or backyard flock, washing can increase the risk of contamination rather than reduce it.

Let’s break down why.

Why Eggs Don’t Need Washing

Eggs come with a natural protective coating called the bloom (or cuticle). This invisible, protein-rich layer:

  • Seals the 7,000+ tiny pores in the shell
  • Blocks bacteria like Salmonella from getting in
  • Keeps the egg from losing moisture

Think of it as nature’s own food-grade seal. Washing eggs—especially with cold water—removes this barrier, creating a “doorway” for bacteria to enter. That’s why unwashed eggs are actually safer than washed ones.

The Risks of Washing Farm-Fresh Eggs

Eggshells are porous. If you remove the bloom too early, water can pull bacteria from the surface directly inside the egg. Experts recommend keeping eggs dry until the moment you’re ready to use them.

Store-Bought vs. Farm-Fresh Eggs

Store-Bought Eggs: Commercial eggs are usually washed and sanitized before reaching stores. The bloom is already gone, so refrigeration is necessary to keep bacteria at bay.

Farm-Fresh Eggs: These still have the protective bloom and can often sit at room temperature for several weeks. Washing them too soon removes this natural defense, so they must be used immediately or refrigerated.

Cleaning Dirty Eggs Safely

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