To wash or not to wash eggs?

[cometmars]

I have seen a lot of posts about not washing eggs before you store them. I was wondering why this is?

Some also say to keep eggs are room temperature, while others say to refrigerate. How long will eggs last at room temp. vs. in fridge?

A few times I have left my eggs in the coop for 24hours+ during a heat wave - does the affect the edibility of the eggs?

 

[LAYINGCHICKENZ4]

I do not wash our eggs until I am ready to eat them. I don't wash them because around the egg the a covering called bloom and when you wash the egg the covering comes off. So if you leave the covering on it will stay fresh and edible for a longer time.

 

[charlie14]

If you do not wash them right away you risk bactiria seeping through the porous shell. Besides it is much more difficult to get them clean later on. They will last approximately 3 months in the fridge and 1 on the counter.

 

[shotgunfairy]

Washing the egg removes a protection that keeps bacteria out. If I get the eggs quick enough I can usually get them pretty clean if they have poo on them I just wash before using. I'm not sure about leaving eggs out. I do know that if you're unsure you can fill a bowl of water put the eggs in it, if the eggs floats or bobs I throw it out.

 

[charlie14]

I forgot to add that if your coup is clean so are your eggs : )

 

[morton]

i leave mine on the counter unwashed until i need them for an order or to use. they usually dont stay out for more than a week then i wash them and put in fridge or sell them. have had no probs yet.

 

[cometmars]

Thanks everyone - this is helpful! I agree with the clean coop theory - however sometimes we do get some poopy ones so I tend to always wash them. I might change my mind now!

 

[Happy Chooks]

The bloom on the egg is a protective coating that keeps bacteria out. The eggs that need washing, use them up first.

Unwashed, eggs can be stored on the counter for a couple of weeks. Once washed, they must be refrigerated. Unwashed eggs can last up to 3 months in the fridge. Washed eggs will not last that long.

 

[Studio2770]

I agree with what those above said, but there's still a question unanswered. We know that the eggs are fine on the inside but who knows what's on the outside, whether or not we can see anything or not doesn't matter. I would advise washing your hands after you handle them, if you're weary about germs. People also wash their eggs before using them. Use warm water though.

 

[BackyardAnita]

I don't wash my eggs. There is a covering around the egg which makes them last longer that washes off if you clean them. Although you might not like the idea of not washing the eggs after they come out of your hen, it does make the eggs last longer.