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Should You Wash Eggs or Not? What U.S. Grocery Shoppers Need to Know

Don’t wash U.S. grocery-store eggs at home. They’re commercially washed; refrigerate them, handle them safely, and wash hands and surfaces after raw-egg contact.

By Animalso Team 2 min read
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No—don’t wash U.S. grocery-store eggs at home, either before refrigerating them or before cooking. Commercial eggs are washed during processing, and washing them again adds handling that can spread germs around your kitchen. Keep them refrigerated, handle them as a raw food, and wash your hands and food-contact surfaces after contact.

Should I wash eggs before putting them in the refrigerator?

No. USDA FSIS advises consumers not to wash grocery-store eggs before refrigerating them. Commercial washing is part of routine processing, so repeating it at home is unnecessary. USDA FSIS explains that commercial washing removes the egg’s natural bloom, or cuticle, and processors apply a light coating of edible mineral oil to restore protection for long-term home storage.

Commercial processing is controlled: plants washing USDA-graded eggs must meet requirements for washing and sanitizing compounds and wash-water temperatures. A rinse at home does not duplicate that process. USDA’s consumer guidance states, “No. It’s not necessary or recommended for consumers to wash eggs.” Read the USDA shell-egg guidance.

Do you need to wash eggs before cooking?

No. Washing the shell before cracking it is not a substitute for safe handling, and extra contact with the shell can spread contamination to hands, counters, utensils, or food. USDA notes that wash water may be drawn through shell pores, a particular concern if the shell is cracked. FoodSafety.gov likewise advises: “Don’t wash meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood to avoid spreading harmful germs around your kitchen.” See its four food-safety steps.

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#1 Best Overall
GoodEgg The Original Egg Brush, Silicone Egg Cleaning Brush for Farm Fresh Eggs, Chicken Coop Cleaning Tools, Egg Washer, Chicken Coop Accessories, Large to XL Sized Eggs, Green, As Seen On Shark Tank
  • MADE FOR BACKYARD EGG COLLECTORS: Whether you're gathering from a coop or a carton, this thoughtfully engineered egg brush was built with backyard chicken lovers in mind. Designed for standard-sized eggs, it’s a must-have for anyone who appreciates the charm—and challenge—of fresh, unprocessed eggs.
  • SMART DESIGN FOR EASY USE: The brush features over 650 flexible silicone nubs that adapt to your egg’s natural curve, helping you sweep away mess with minimal effort. Just hold the egg, gently rotate it against the brush under cool water, and you're good to go. Flip the brush inside out to rinse clean—simple and satisfying.
  • DURABLE MATERIALS, BUILT TO LAST: Crafted from high-quality, food-grade silicone, the good egg cleaning brush stands up to daily use without cracking, warping, or wearing out. Keep it on your counter, in your sink, or even run it through the dishwasher—it’s as tough as your morning routine.
  • NO FUSS, NO MESS CLEANING: Designed by GoodEgg, this patented egg tool and egg wash brush includes ribbed edges that act like mini squeegees to reach into every crevice and scrub out the stubborn bits. The hollow center allows for quick drainage and drying, keeping things clean without the clutter.
  • FARM-FRESH ROUTINE FRIENDLY: Use this egg washer as part of your regular egg prep ritual. Rinse under running water, swirl the egg gently, and let the brush do the rest. Pair it with GoodEgg Wash for a squeaky-clean finish that fits right into your chicken coop accessories because you can never have too much chicken stuff.

What to do instead

  • Refrigerate eggs. Keep them cold rather than washing them for storage.
  • Wash hands and surfaces. Use hot, soapy water on hands, utensils, equipment, and work surfaces before and after contact with raw eggs or egg-containing foods.
  • Cook thoroughly. A clean, uncracked shell does not mean an egg is free of Salmonella. FDA advises cooking eggs until yolks are firm and cooking foods containing eggs thoroughly. FDA’s egg-safety guidance covers these precautions.

What if the eggs are farm-fresh or visibly dirty?

The recommendation above is for commercially processed eggs sold in U.S. grocery stores. Unprocessed farm-fresh eggs may be handled under different systems, and the federal consumer guidance cited here does not establish one universal home-cleaning method for every farm-fresh egg or jurisdiction. Don’t assume that home washing reproduces commercial processing. Ask the producer about storage and handling, and consult your local agriculture or food-safety authority for applicable advice.

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Full Circle Bubbly Palm Brush, Dish Scrub Brush for Nonstick, White
  • COMFORT MEETS CLEANING POWER: boasts an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, for serious scrubbing power, and efficient cleaning without the strain..
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GoodEgg The Original Egg Brush, Silicone Egg Cleaning Brush for Farm Fresh Eggs, Chicken Coop Cleaning Tools, Egg Washer, Chicken Coop Accessories, Standard Sized Eggs, Pink, As Seen On Shark Tank
  • MADE FOR BACKYARD EGG COLLECTORS: Whether you're gathering from a coop or a carton, this thoughtfully engineered egg brush was built with backyard chicken lovers in mind. Designed for standard-sized eggs, it’s a must-have for anyone who appreciates the charm—and challenge—of fresh, unprocessed eggs.
  • SMART DESIGN FOR EASY USE: The brush features over 650 flexible silicone nubs that adapt to your egg’s natural curve, helping you sweep away mess with minimal effort. Just hold the egg, gently rotate it against the brush under cool water, and you're good to go. Flip the brush inside out to rinse clean—simple and satisfying.
  • DURABLE MATERIALS, BUILT TO LAST: Crafted from high-quality, food-grade silicone, the good egg cleaning brush stands up to daily use without cracking, warping, or wearing out. Keep it on your counter, in your sink, or even run it through the dishwasher—it’s as tough as your morning routine.
  • NO FUSS, NO MESS CLEANING: Designed by GoodEgg, this patented egg tool and egg wash brush includes ribbed edges that act like mini squeegees to reach into every crevice and scrub out the stubborn bits. The hollow center allows for quick drainage and drying, keeping things clean without the clutter.
  • FARM-FRESH ROUTINE FRIENDLY: Use this egg washer as part of your regular egg prep ritual. Rinse under running water, swirl the egg gently, and let the brush do the rest. Pair it with GoodEgg Wash for a squeaky-clean finish that fits right into your chicken coop accessories because you can never have too much chicken stuff.
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GoodEgg Deluxe Egg Cleaning Kit, 2 Silicone Brushes (Standard & XL) with 12 oz Enzyme Wash & Refill, Egg Washer Scrubber Cleaner for Fresh Eggs, Chicken Coop Accessories, Made in USA
  • EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR FRESH EGGS: This deluxe kit pairs two silicone brushes (standard and XL) with our enzyme-powered wash plus a concentrated refill so backyard chicken keepers can scrub, soak, and store eggs without bleach, soap, or harsh chemicals
  • TWO SIZES OF THE ORIGINAL EGG BRUSH (STANDARD + XL): 100 percent food-grade silicone with 650+ tiny nubs that scrub away mud, poop, and feathers, plus rib-like squeegees for stubborn spots, dishwasher safe, flips inside out for easy rinsing
  • GOODEGG ENZYME WASH (12 OZ + REFILL): A 99 percent organic, food-grade enzyme cleanser that breaks down contaminants without penetrating shells, no bleach, soap, foaming agents, or dyes, refillable bottle plus concentrated refill so you never run out. This will make a perfect pair for an egg washer for fresh eggs!
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Lumkew Egg Washer Cleaner for Fresh Eggs, Egg Wash and Brush Scrubber, 1pcs
  • Egg Wash and Brush: Adorable expression meet quality bristles and handle for a fun, practical clean—make you smile while washing eggs
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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