Eggs are a staple in almost every kitchen, but one question keeps resurfacing every time someone reaches into the carton: Should you wash eggs before cooking them? You might think the answer is obvious, but the truth is more nuanced than most people realize.
Why Some People Feel the Need to Wash Eggs
A lot of people rinse eggs simply out of habit. Others do it because they assume anything that came from a farm must be washed before it’s safe to eat. It feels natural to want to clean off dirt or debris you might see on the shell.
But despite those instincts, eggs have something special built in—a natural protective barrier that most people don’t know much about.
The Egg’s Natural Shield: The Cuticle
Every egg is coated in a thin, nearly invisible layer called the cuticle or bloom. This layer forms the moment the egg is laid. Think of it like nature’s own antibacterial seal.
The cuticle:
Covers the tiny pores on an eggshell
Helps block harmful bacteria
Prevents moisture loss
Keeps the inner egg fresher for longer
When you wash an egg, you strip this protective layer away, leaving the egg more exposed to contaminants and more likely to spoil quickly.
What About Salmonella?
One of the biggest concerns people have when handling eggs is Salmonella. Fortunately, an unwashed egg with its natural coating intact has a lower risk of contamination because the cuticle acts like a barrier.
And even if you’re still uneasy, remember that:
Cooking eggs thoroughly (boiling, frying, baking, scrambling) destroys Salmonella
The eggshell’s inner membrane adds another level of protection
Boiling doesn’t allow outside water to seep inside the shell
So cooking remains the strongest safety measure, with or without washing.
Should You Wash Eggs or Leave Them As They Are?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, because it depends on where your eggs come from and how comfortable you feel.
If your eggs come from a trusted grocery store or supplier:
They have already gone through safety inspections and proper handling. In many regions, grocery-store eggs are actually washed before being packaged—meaning the cuticle has already been removed and the eggs are then sanitized and refrigerated.
If your eggs come fresh from backyard chickens or a local farm:
Leaving the cuticle intact is generally the safest option. If an egg is visibly dirty, many experts suggest gently wiping it with a dry cloth instead of washing it with water.
Ultimately, washing is a personal decision, as long as you follow safe handling and thorough cooking practices.
A Moment to Appreciate the Incredible Egg
Whether washed or unwashed, eggs are remarkable little foods. Their natural protective layer keeps them safe, their structure is designed with multiple safety barriers, and their versatility makes them the hero of countless recipes.
So the next time you’re cracking eggs for breakfast—or preparing a dozen for deviled eggs—remember that the egg is more complex and well-designed than it looks.
Nature knew what it was doing when it gave eggs their own built-in shield.