I have a friend that insists NO Running WATER should be used to wash freshly hatched eggs. She claims that a cloth, dipped in hot soapy water, then rinsed as needed is all you should use in cleaning eggs. We argued, my "auntie" taught me to dunk each egg in warm soapy water, then rinse and air dry. What method do YOU advise for cleaning eggs?
They really don't need to be cleaned at all. As the hen lays the egg, she adds a last layer to it called "bloom" and it protects the egg from bacteria. Washing the egg washes off the bloom.
If you're one of those people who feel more comfortable with washed eggs. Wash in warm water, no soap. The egg is porous, and you don't want soap getting inside. Using water warmer than the egg will make the egg "sweat" which will keep the dirty water from going into the pores. Make sure to refridgerate washed eggs, since you've just washed off the bloom.
I don't wash mine either. I just keep the nest boxes clean and that takes care of 99% of the eggs when I do have a 1% dirty egg I wipe it dry with a cloth and don't wash til I'm ready to use it for cooking. I don't sell the dirty eggs.