Washing eggs

[spencereb]

I remember having read, at some point in the past, about the do's & don'ts of washing eggs. In general, I think we are not supposed to wash them at all, because momma hen leaves a natural bacteria barrier covering the egg.

However, with all the recent wet weather, most of our eggs are getting muddy before we have a chance to gather. So, what do we do here? Seems like I remember it is ok to rinse them off in cold water, not warm, or is it the other way around?

Any suggestions?
-Spence

 

[HobbyChickener]

you are better to dry wipe them. try and stay away from liquid washing

 

[speckledhen]

IF you must use liquid, let water warmer than the egg run over the soiled area, then gently wipe with a clean paper towel.

 

[Churkenduse]

I had a book that said if you need to wash them then do so gently without harsh detergents and then coat ightly with cooking oil.
That will replace the protective shield that is around it naturally.

 

[Cheryl]

My chickens just started laying, I've gotten 7 so far in 4 days...one was a bit blood streaked so I dampened a cloth and gently wiped it off. That worked just fine...oh and I checked all the bottoms and didn't find any problems!

 

[MissPrissy]

I don't wash mine. I also don't refrigerate the eggs I use for my family but that is another topic. LOL

For soiled eggs I first wipe them off with a plain dry cloth. If that doesn't work for really messy eggs I use a warm damp cloth and just spot clean.

If you have to wash the egg to get it clean I would refrigerate after it has dried and use that egg first when in need of eggs just so it is not hanging around very long without its bloom.

edited to add that the water should be warmer then the egg - big typo there, sorry

 

[Ericasl]

HI If it is just mud I have been using a tooth brush. when the mud is dry it just brushes right off.

 

[raindrop]

I don't wash mine either. If they are really poopy then I cook those eggs for the chickens for a treat and while I'm out feeding them I clean the nest boxes, lol.
For eggs I sell/give away, I choose the cleanest and wipe with a damp cloth.