• Nigerian Dwarf Senior Does
  • Nigerian Dwarf Does
  • Nigerian Dwarf Bucks
  • Nigerian Dwarf Kids By Year
    • 2019 Goat Kids
    • 2018 Goat Kids
    • 2017 Goat Kids
    • 2016 Goat Kids

Better Hens & Gardens

of Bramblestone Farm

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • Publication Credits
  • Contact
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Cart

Skills for Self-Reliance, Real Foods & Sustainable Living

  • Chickens
    • Basic Care
    • Breeds
    • All About Eggs
    • Feeding
    • Health Issues
    • Housing
  • Farm
    • Farm news
    • Help
    • Structures
    • Wild Things
  • Garden
    • Ornamentals
    • Seeds & Saving Them
    • How To Grow “X”
    • Starting Plants
    • Preparation & Tools
    • Pest Control
    • Varieties To Try
  • Goats
    • Basic Care
    • Conformation
    • Doe & Kidding Care
    • Feeding
    • Herd Basics & Behavior
    • Milk & Milking
    • Supplies & Equipment
  • Honey Bees
    • Feeding
    • Getting Started
    • Hive Management
    • Honey & Wax
  • Homemade
    • Beauty Products
    • Cleaning Supplies
    • Decorations
    • Miscellaneous
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Main Dish
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Vegetables
  • Pantry
    • Quality Choices
    • Canning
    • Condiments & Flavorings
    • Dairy
    • Drying
    • Freezing
    • Root Cellaring

Better Hens and Gardens may earn a commission for purchases made after clicking on links on this page. Learn More

38 Comments

Fresh Eggs – Washed or Unwashed?

Should Fresh Eggs Be Washed?

Should Fresh Eggs Be Washed or Left Unwashed

Different cultures treat egg washing in different ways – many cultures (such as all the EU countries) prohibit washing fresh eggs that are to be sold whereas most places in the US require them to be washed.

So the question arises – is it best to wash the eggs after collecting them or leave them unwashed?

Despite what regulations in much of the US say, the answer is, it’s generally better to leave the egg unwashed. The great thing about having your own chickens providing eggs is that you can decide, and do what works best for your situation.

Why Not Washing May Be Better

Just before laying an egg, the hen adds a protective layer called “bloom” or cuticle (see Understanding Egg Bloom) to the outside of the egg. This coating seals the shell pores, prevents bacteria from getting inside the shell, and reduces moisture loss from the egg – all designed to make the egg last longer. Washing the eggs removes this protective layer, and does reduce the time that the egg will remain fresh.

So, eggs that are removed from the nest box that are clean, are best left unwashed until just before use. However, eggs that have dirt, feathers, or chicken droppings attached when removed from the nest box should be washed in warm water (eggs should not be washed in cool water as this pushes bacteria into the shell pores) and used first.

Obviously then, if you don’t intend to wash your eggs, it’s best to keep nest boxes nice and clean so that as many eggs as possible remain clean.

Free Range Eggs

Free Range Eggs

What If You Sell Eggs?

If you sell your eggs, then it’s important to check the rules in your state concerning whether they need to be washed. In general, the USDA requires that eggs that are to be sold be washed (see this link).

The USDA requires producers to wash eggs with warm water at least 20°F warmer than the internal temperature of the eggs and at a minimum of 90°F. A detergent that won’t impart any foreign odors to the eggs must also be used. After washing, the eggs must be rinsed with a warm water spray containing a chemical sanitizer to remove any remaining bacteria. They are then dried to remove excess moisture.

Individual state regulations for smaller egg operations may exempt some egg producers from the above egg washing rule in the US so it’s important to make sure you’re in compliance with whatever rules apply in your state.

United States consumers are also accustomed to washed eggs (the ones in the supermarket are generally required to be washed), so that’s also a consideration in deciding whether to wash. Just make sure to let your customers know whether they need to wash the eggs they purchase from you before use.

Fresh Unwashed Eggs

Fresh Unwashed Eggs

To wash homestead eggs, just rinse them under very warm tap water. It’s not necessary to use any soaps or detergents.

Unwashed eggs will last at least two weeks unrefrigerated, and three months if refrigerated. Washed eggs should be refrigerated, and will last at least two months, but won’t taste as fresh as an unwashed egg of the same age.

Fresh Eggs Washed or Unwashed


Related posts:

Control Chicken Winter Egg Production
Egg Bloom
Collecting & Storing Chicken Eggs for Hatching
1.5K shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: All About Eggs

About Lesa

Lesa Wilke is a homesteader and freelance writer who loves to inspire others on their journey to more sustainable lifestyles. She accomplishes this by sharing the skills she’s learned (plus support, advice & tips) while farming goats, chickens, honeybees, and produce.

« Choosing Goat Herdsires
Easy Sew Green Gift Bags or Reusable Cloth Gift Bags »

Comments

  1. Joy says

    July 18, 2022 at 11:01 am

    Hi,

    i received unwashed eggs that have been refrigerated, can they still be water glassed?

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      July 18, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      Hi Joy, I use fresh, unwashed, unrefrigerated eggs for water glassing. Since those have been refrigerated, I wouldn’t use them.

      Reply
  2. Don says

    November 1, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    I’ve heard that fresh eggs are not good for making hard boiled eggs as the shells do not come off easily and you end up mutilating the egg trying to get the shell off. Ones that are at least 2 weeks old are better for hard boiling. If they stand on end in water they are good for boiling if they lay flat they are not. If they float they are bad.

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      November 2, 2021 at 9:31 pm

      Hi Don, It’s very true that it’s nearly impossible to peel a very hardboiled egg unless you use my method for cooking them: https://www.betterhensandgardens.com/easy-peel-hardboiled-fresh-eggs/

      Reply
  3. Debbie Sheegog says

    May 27, 2021 at 2:44 pm

    This is a very helpful place where I have learned most of what I know about chickens! One question around how to handle and keep newly gathered eggs leaves me wondering if eggs rinsed briefly without soap are also in the “washed” egg category ? Thanks for everything.

    Reply
    • Arvid Wilson says

      November 4, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      I’m wondering the same question!!
      A ”water glassed” egg is actually sitting in a water/hydrated lime solution! Doesn’t the bloom on the egg eventually break down?
      I think that’s what is trying to be prevented by “washing” the egg, isn’t it?
      Keeping the bloom intact on the egg until actual use.

      Reply
      • Arvid Wilson says

        November 4, 2022 at 12:26 pm

        I float tested all of my eggs in water to cull out the floaters. I also used my thumb to lightly scrub off particles from the egg. I then put the eggs in the hydrated lime solution.
        Is the float testing and light scrubbing ruining the bloom on the egg?
        The eggs were also refrigerated prior to water glassing. Is that wrong?

        Reply
        • Lesa says

          November 12, 2022 at 9:42 pm

          Hi Arvid & Debbie, you want to use the freshest, unwashed, unrinsed, unrefrigerated eggs that you have for water glassing. No washing, no scrubbing, no float testing, no refrigeration! Preserve that egg bloom 🙂

          Reply
  4. Christina Proctor says

    January 20, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    Is there anywhere in Michigan or Ohio where I can purchase unwashed eggs? Preferably in Michigan.
    I would like to preserve them through waterglassing. Do you know how to do this?

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      January 22, 2021 at 4:24 pm

      Hi Christina, I don’t know of specific farms that offer unwashed eggs, but I suggest you find a small farm selling eggs near you and get to know the farmer. Then you can request unwashed eggs – most small farmers selling their eggs will likely be happy to comply. Maybe a farmer’s market near you would be a good place to find a local farmer. I haven’t done waterglassing.

      Reply
    • Peggy says

      May 20, 2021 at 1:27 am

      Iron Oaks Farm in Hartland, Michigan sells unwashed eggs. The owner of the farm is author of a book about eggs.

      Reply
  5. Patrick says

    August 26, 2020 at 7:07 am

    Hello! Great article! Quick question for you, I washed my eggs last night and did not refrigerate until this morning. Are they still good? Would you be worried to sell them? Any insight would be very appreciated!

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      August 26, 2020 at 5:48 pm

      Hi Patrick, Your eggs should be fine since they went un-refrigerated for such a short period of time. I would feel comfortable eating them (fully cooked) but would not feel comfortable selling them. Just wouldn’t want to risk any liability in seling them.

      Reply
      • Patrick says

        August 26, 2020 at 8:31 pm

        Fantastic reply thank you that is what my wife was thinking too. Thank you for your insight and sharing your wealth of knowledge!

        Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      May 20, 2021 at 5:56 pm

      You can tell if an egg is still good or not by placing them in a container of water. If they float, they are bad. Good eggs should sink to the bottom of the container.

      Reply
      • Lesa says

        May 21, 2021 at 3:57 pm

        Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for the tip on how to tell if eggs are still good!

        Reply
      • mary says

        November 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm

        This info. found on Purina Mills website:
        Difference between good egg/ fresh egg and good egg/ safe to eat egg.

        You might have come across articles about the “egg float test.” This is not a “freshness” test to determine if your eggs are still safe to eat. Rather, the egg float test simply gives you an approximation of how old an egg is. It does not tell you whether the eggs are safe to eat.

        Reply
  6. Anne says

    July 23, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    I wasn’t sure how to wash fresh eggs we got for watching our friend’s chickens so I refrigerated them before washing them. Is this ok or did I let bacteria enter by chilling them? Can I wash them now that they’re cold?

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      July 24, 2020 at 11:53 am

      Hi Anne, Yes it should be ok that you refrigerated them – I’d let them warm up to room temperature, wash them in warm tap water as described above and then put them back in the refrigerator.

      Reply
      • Anne says

        July 24, 2020 at 1:15 pm

        Thank you, I was hoping you’d say that!

        Reply
  7. Debbie says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    I washed my eggs, but not sure if I used warm or cool water. I know I used cool water on 2-3. I also refrigerated them. Will they still be safe to eat? Or should I feed them to my chickens? I have Buff Orpingtons.

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      July 8, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      They should be fine, just keep them refrigerated, use these first and remember to use warm water in the future 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lisa G says

    June 28, 2020 at 11:04 am

    Can you store washed and unwashed eggs in a bowl together?

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      June 29, 2020 at 9:51 pm

      Hi Lisa, You really shouldn’t store the unwashed eggs with the washed eggs for sanitary reasons. The washed ones no longer have their protective coating and should be stored separately.

      Reply
  9. Michelle says

    June 13, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    We have 8 chickens how many eggs do you think we will have a week?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      June 14, 2020 at 7:39 pm

      Hi Michelle, the number of eggs you get will depend on what breed of chickens you have. If you have egg-layers like Golden Buffs (and they are young) they will lay an egg nearly every day. However, if you chose a dual-purpose breed (like a Rhode Island Red) then they will lay an egg more like every other day.

      Reply
  10. April springer says

    June 10, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    Hello! I put eggs that have not been washed in the refrigerator, can I take them out and leave them out?

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      June 12, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Hi April, Yes you can take them out and leave them out. They should last for about 2 weeks unrefrigerated.

      Reply
  11. Kristi Wheeler says

    September 4, 2019 at 2:24 pm

    I agree with the no wash method. Keeping the nesting boxes clean helps to cut down on the poopy eggs. Usually, if I have poopy eggs I try to use them up, or wash them, hard boil them, and then give them back to the chickens along with some dried eggshells to give them back some calcium! Thanks for the great info! So happy for like-minded friends!

    Reply
  12. Lisa says

    August 10, 2019 at 9:45 am

    I was told that if you refrigerate unwashed eggs that the cold will suck bacteria and bloom into egg??? Thank-you.

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      August 10, 2019 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Lisa, My understanding is that the bloom on unwashed eggs protects them from the bacteria even in refrigerated conditions.

      Reply
  13. Julie Albrecht says

    July 19, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    i GET EGGS from a local farmer, and request they not be washed (which surprised them.). If they are dirty, I wash just before I crack it open.
    It is more than 90 degrees today, in fact, all week. Can I still leave them on the counter?

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      August 10, 2019 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Julie, yes I believe it is ok to leave them on the counter in 90 degree weather. If you travel to a warm weather region like Mexico, you will find that they leave unwashed eggs out in those temperatures all the time with no problems.

      Reply
  14. Hillary says

    May 20, 2019 at 11:57 pm

    Lesa,

    We get fresh eggs from a wonderful friend, and they don’t wash them, which is great. I usually put dirty ones by themselves, to use first, and just wash then before I use them. Is that ok, or should I wash the dirty ones right away?

    Hill

    Reply
    • Lesa says

      May 26, 2019 at 10:02 pm

      Hi Hill, Yes, we find that it’s fine to do what you describe as long as you’re comfortable with it.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Oh, hi there! I’m Lesa,

and this blog is all about learning new skills around chickens, goats, gardens, honey bees, and DIY. Read more…

Read My Dairy Goat Books

  • Nigerian Dwarf Goats 201 - Getting Started Nigerian Dwarf Goats 201: Getting Started
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $6.99
  • Nigerian Dwarf Goats 101 Nigerian Dwarf Goats 101: Background & Basics
    Rated 4.95 out of 5
    $4.99

Visit Our Social Sites

Website Categories

The contents of this site are the property of Better Hens and Gardens. All content contained herein is copyrighted. We love it when you share, but if you do, please link back to the original post. Material included here is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, the giving of medical advice. This blogs content is for informational purposes only and Better Hens and Gardens or others associated with this site shall not be held liable for any damages incurred through the use of information provided in this blog. Better Hens and Gardens accepts products for review and other forms of paid advertising; however, although compensation received may influence the content or topics covered in this blog, it will never influence our opinion of any product. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely those of Better Hens and Gardens. Any product claim or other representation about a product or service should be verified by the manufacturer. Better Hens and Gardens is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2023 · Design by Erica Mueller Designs

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print
  • Pinterest
1.5K shares