Should You Wash Your Eggs Before Cooking?
Eggs are a staple in nearly every kitchen, but one question always causes debate: should you wash them before cooking? Surprisingly, the answer isn’t as simple as most people think.
Many people wash eggs out of habit or because they want them to look clean. But what most don’t realize is that eggs already come with their own natural protective layer called the cuticle, or bloom. This thin coating seals the tiny pores in the shell, acting like a built-in shield that keeps bacteria—especially salmonella—out, while also preventing moisture from escaping.
When you wash an egg, you remove this protective layer, actually making the egg more vulnerable to contamination rather than safer.
So what about salmonella? For unwashed eggs with the cuticle intact, the risk is very low. And even if you’re still concerned, cooking eggs thoroughly—such as boiling them—adds an extra layer of safety. Heat kills bacteria, and the membrane inside the shell prevents water from seeping into the egg.
So, should you wash them or not?
It ultimately depends on your comfort level and where your eggs come from. If they’re from a clean, reputable supplier and you handle them properly, using unwashed eggs is perfectly safe. But if it makes you feel better to rinse them lightly right before cooking, that’s your choice too.
