Washing eggs

[Slaphappy]

So they finally started. Some have been muddy, and or poopy. We are learning to lay in the nesting boxes. (we are slow learner's)

When we go wash eggs for use or they are really dirty. Do we use just warm water or warm water and Dawn. I have been using Dawn so far and washing by hand. Thoughts?

 

[PioneerChicks]

I personally don't wash my eggs unless they are too poopy to go in the carton. Unwashed eggs have an oil called the "egg bloom" on them that protects them from rotting. If you take it off the eggs have to go into the fridge or they will rot. If you still want to wash your eggs I'm sure there are others in here who will help!

 

[cmom]

Once you wash the eggs they are susceptible to bacteria. The bloom works as an antibacterial coating on the eggs. When the eggs are first layed they are wet but dry quickly, that is the bloom the female coats the shells with. I don't use soap on them but do use warm water to wash off the poop and then refrigerate. I don't get much poop on my eggs but once in awhile. I have pine shavings in the nest boxes with a golf ball. They may lay on the floor but usually figure it out.

 

[Folly's place]

I hand wash eggs every day, with warm running water and mild dish soap, and then refrigerate. Really nasty, dirty eggs, or any with cracks, get thrown out.
I just can't get over that poultry science class, long ago!
Mary

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I wash my eggs with cool water and then refrigerate.

 

[Folly's place]

Eggs need to be washed in water warmer than the temperature of the eggs, not colder.
Mary

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I’ve never personally used soap on my eggs just warm water and a rag.

 

[kiwi-chick]

like keeping chickens or using nest boxes or the type of roost you use - there is no right or wrong way - it all depends on what you are happy with.

 

[aart]

No need to use soap, IMO.

I don't wash eggs unless they are very dirty, then will refrigerate or use immediately because thorough washing will remove all the protective bloom(cuticle).

Eggs should be washed in 'water warmer than the egg'.
Simple physics, using colder water will cause the egg contents to contract, causing any 'germs' on exterior surface of egg shell to be pulled into the interior of egg thru the shell pores. Using warmer water will do the opposite.

I don't use any soap or other cleaning/sanitizing agent, just rotate in my hands to 'scrub' all surfaces area of egg shell. Then I air and towel dry before placing in the fridge.

If you are washing eggs for sale to the general public, other requirements may apply, so check your state regulations.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

like keeping chickens or using nest boxes or the type of roost you use - there is no right or wrong way - it all depends on what you are happy with.

I agree! 10 years + of washing in cool water and we've never got sick eating our eggs or problems with eggs going bad before we use them. .