Wash eggs?

[Gillian1217]

I have heard...... fresh eggs have some sorr of film on them and they should be washed even though they look clean. Then refrigerate. Is this true? Im just wondering how long they can be kept out of the fridge before washing them?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and belated welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
All eggs are laid with a bloom. Damaging the bloom allowed bacteria to penetrate the shell. I gently rinse mine then refrigerate. I also gently rinse the eggs I place under broodies and, for all intents and purposes, I've had 100% of the fertile eggs hatch.

 

[Gillian1217]

Thanks! Ive actually been on here awhile but didn't intro myself.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

If the eggs are clean there is no need to wash them. I wash eggs, because I sell eggs. But washing them takes the God given protective bloom off. It's also recommended that you refrigerate after washing them.

Also, welcome to BYC!

 

[Gillian1217]

Thank you. So no need to wash them. But there is a protective coating. Then once washed, they should go in fridge? Do you know how long they can stay out of fridge without washing?
Blessings!!

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to active posting at BYC!! I wash eggs I plan to sell and store them in the fridge. I usually keep unwashed eggs I plan to use on the counter and wash before use.

 

[KarynVA]

I believe unwashed, fresh eggs can stay on the counter for 2-3 weeks. I keep mine in an egg skelter on the counter and then wash in warm (not cold) water just before using.

Edited to add: now that it is cold in the mornings when I fetch eggs from the coop, if they are cold to the touch I put them directly into the fridge, unwashed, and wash in warm water just before using.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

As the others have said, the bloom put on the eggs by the hen's system naturally protects the contents from bacteria entering. Washing off the bloom will expose the egg to harmful toxins. No washing needed! Welcome to our community!

 

[Henrietta 65]

You shouldn’t wash them if you don’t need to but if you do never leave them to soak as this can make them go rotten quicker . I believe eggs left on the counter last 2-3 weeks

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Chat with other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).Make yourself at home and enjoy the forums.

Best wishes

Pork Pie