Should You Wash Fresh Eggs?

A carton of eggs holds so much possibility. From vegetable-laden omelets to your go-to quiche, the mighty egg is versatile, nutritious, and delicious. A key ingredient in many baked items, eggs are something many homes always have on hand.

While there are many ways to cook an egg, there’s just one thing to know when it comes to washing eggs. We turned to expert Benjamin Chapman, a professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University’s Department of Agriculture and Human Sciences to get to the bottom of egg washing—and no, we’re not talking about an egg white wash in this case.

Related: 45 Egg Recipes To Make From Morning To Night

Meet Our Expert

• Benjamin Chapman, a professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University’s Department of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Do You Need To Wash Fresh Eggs?

No, you shouldn’t wash fresh eggs. Chapman says you do not need to wash eggs before cracking them for cooking. “There’s no safety reason for eggs to be washed,” says Chapman, adding that, if anything, it may be a bad idea to wash egg shells. This is because if there’s anything outside of the egg, such as salmonella enteritidis specifically, it can get sucked into the inside of the egg during washing.

The USDA’s guidance echoes Chapman’s advice: “It’s not necessary or recommended for consumers to wash commercially packaged eggs, and it may actually increase the risk of contamination because the wash water can be ‘sucked’ into the egg through the pores in the shell.” 
“Also, commercially purchased/USDA graded eggs are washed (with a control of temperature) before they are packed,” says Chapman.

Related: Can You Eat Expired Eggs?

What If The Eggs Look Dirty?

Eggs that are commercially packaged and purchased from your local supermarket will have been washed, but what about eggs straight from an area farm? What should you do if eggs are covered in dust or dirt or even feather pieces?

Chapman says these eggs can be cleaned and rinsed—albeit carefully. Rinse eggs under running water (avoid soaking) that’s warmer than the eggs themselves before storing them in the refrigerator, he says. “If needed, scrub them with a brush,” he adds, and then make sure to fully dry them before storing them in the fridge.

Related: How Long Can Eggs Safely Sit Out At Room Temperature?

How To Know If Eggs Have Gone Bad

There’s no safety issue in eating eggs that are past their prime freshness. Although eggs may suffer from diminished quality, they are perfectly OK to eat or use in baking. “When the egg gets old, the yolk or the white of the egg may not hold its form and be runnier than expected,” Chapman says. But they can still safely be consumed. You may just want to reserve older eggs for dishes where they function as a mere ingredient and not, say, the star of the plate. 

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