Do Eggs Need to Be Washed Before You Use Them?

Do You Need to Wash Eggs Before Cooking?

The question of whether to wash eggs before using them is more important than it seems—and the answer often depends on where your eggs come from. Handling eggs properly before they reach your pan or mixing bowl can make a big difference in food safety.

“Eggs look harmless—small, smooth, ordinary. Yet the way you handle them can quietly decide whether your breakfast nourishes or poses a risk.”

Some people wash every egg immediately after bringing them home, thinking it removes dirt or germs. Others avoid water entirely. The key to understanding which approach is safest lies in the egg’s natural biology—specifically, a hidden layer of protection that cannot be replaced once removed.