Should you wash eggs for eating?

Should you wash eggs from your chickens? The short answer is No - the egg is laid with an invisible protective coating called the cuticle, which protects it from bacteria and helps it stay fresh. Don't wash it off!
The US Department of Agriculture mandates that eggs sold to the public must be washed - and it's a very strict procedure, tricky to get right or you'll do more harm than good. And even when done properly, after washing the eggs are usually coated in oil (to replace the natural cuticle) and must be refrigerated at all times until consumption.
In contrast, in Europe, it's illegal to wash eggs that will be sold to the public. This encourages farmers to keep their hen houses and eggs clean, and maintains the cuticle intact, providing excellent protection for the protein-rich egg inside. And the European safety rates are even better than in the US, so this "don't wash" policy is certainly effective.
So, if you have a dirty egg from your chickens, wipe it, keep dry, and use it immediately for thorough cooking or pet food, but don't wash it.

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