Eggs have small pores which harmful bacteria can enter. Even shells that appear clean can carry germs. Even so, eggs do not need to be washed.
The best method for how to wash fresh eggs is by using warm water that is at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Washing with warm water causes the egg's contents to expand and push dirt and contaminants away from the shell's pores. Never soak eggs, even in warm water.
Eggshells are porous, so when you wash them you're removing that natural barrier. Unwashed eggs can sit on your kitchen counter at room temperature for a couple of weeks and they'll still be edible. But once they've touched water, they need to be refrigerated.
Washing dirty eggs removes the bloom and invites bacteria to be drawn inside the egg. And washing eggs in cool water actually creates a vacuum, pulling unwanted bacteria inside even faster.
Although egg washing is not a requirement in Australia, sale of dirty eggs is prohibited by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Any washing and sanitising process needs to reduce bacterial load on the eggshell, as visibly clean eggs can still be highly contaminated with Salmonella.
The United States Department of Agriculture requires egg producers to clean and sanitize eggs. All of the eggs that you buy in a grocery store are washed—literally washed with soap and water—and the egg washing process removes the dirt and fecal matter that might carry salmonella.
In some European countries, egg-laying hens are vaccinated against salmonella. In the U.S., vaccination is not required, but eggs must be washed and refrigerated from farm to store, and producers must follow a host of other safety measures.
Wash eggs in warm water.
Rinse the eggs under warm running water. The warm tap water will draw out any dirt and bacteria from the shell; cold water can cause bacteria to go below the surface of the eggshell. Avoid any cleaning agents such as bleach, soap, or detergent.
WASHING EGGS • Wash and rinse eggs in warm to hot water. Water temperature in the 90-120oF range is best; hot tap water is generally 120oF. The temperature should be at least 20 degrees warmer than the egg. If “freshly laid” eggs are gathered, use temperatures at the warmer end of the range.
Either way, it's important to always wash your eggs before cracking them open. If there are any droppings or other bacteria on them, proper washing will remove them and the bloom.
If you're wondering how long farm fresh eggs last unwashed, then I have the answer for you! Unwashed eggs can be gathered and stored on your kitchen counter for 2-4 weeks at room temperature, where they will remain as edible, if not as fresh, as when they were laid.
Never eat raw eggs. Outbreaks for Salmonella illnesses have been associated with undercooked egg whites and yolks. To avoid illness, cook eggs until yolks are firm. Cook foods containing eggs to 160 degrees F as measured by a food thermometer.
A general rule, unwashed eggs will last around two weeks unrefrigerated and about three months or more in your refrigerator. If you're experiencing an egg boom, it's smart to refrigerate any unwashed fresh eggs you aren't planning to eat immediately.
You don't need to refrigerate farm fresh eggs. Eggs are laid with a near invisible coating called the "bloom" or "cuticle" on the shell. What is this? This coating helps keep air and bacteria out of the egg, keeping the egg fresher longer.
Whereas an egg yolk mixed with water will yield a deep golden color (much like a whole beaten egg without any liquid). Using milk or cream will further enhance the color and gloss. However, feel free to use what you have on hand.
No. 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.
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.
To sanitize the eggs, spray the cleaned eggs with a diluted bleach-water solution. Allow the eggs to dry on a rack, in a basket, or a washer flat. If the water and sanitizing spray are not enough for particularly stubborn stains, you can remove those stains by dipping the eggs in warm vinegar.
At the grading station, eggs are washed in a sanitizing solution and scrubbed with revolving brushes to remove dirt and any bacteria that may be found on the shell. There is no need to wash your eggs at home.
Cleaning eggs
Eggs are porous and have active bacteria on the outside, so they should not be dipped or soaked in soapy water, Coufal said. There are many ways to wash an egg, but the temperature of the wash water is the key factor, he said.
When to wash fresh backyard chicken eggs. In general, I recommend waiting to wash your fresh eggs until right before you use them. That is, unless they are soiled with poop, mud, or otherwise in need of a good rinse. In that case, wash dirty eggs but then store them in the refrigerator thereafter.
Refrigeration extends the shelf-life of eggs, so if they are not kept cool, consumers must use them faster. We aren't the only country who washes our eggs. Japan, Australia, and some Scandinavian countries also wash their eggs.
Fresh eggs purchased from a farmers market need to be refrigerated as soon as you get home. Per USDA guidelines, eggs should be stored at 40 degrees F or below to help minimize the risk of Salmonella. Eggs should be stored in their carton and placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door.
In Europe, farms vaccinate chickens against salmonella. That means the cuticle is still intact when eggs are sold. Refrigerating eggs with the cuticle intact could actually cause mildew to grow. Which could cause… you guessed it salmonella contamination.
Australia's egg situation is actually a bit all over the shop. Like the US, all eggs must be washed by hand or processor to prevent contamination on the outside of the egg. In addition, all broken or cracked eggs must be thrown out immediately.