Many viral videos suggest washing eggs with soap and water before putting them in the refrigerator. While this may seem like a smart way to make eggs cleaner, food safety experts say it is unnecessary for most grocery-store eggs and can even increase the risk of contamination.
Eggshells contain thousands of tiny pores. Freshly laid eggs are covered with a natural protective coating called the bloom, or cuticle, which seals these pores and helps block bacteria. In the United States and Canada, commercial eggs are washed and sanitized before they reach stores. This process removes dirt but also strips away the bloom, which is why these eggs must be refrigerated.
Washing these eggs again at home is not recommended. Cold water can create a slight vacuum inside the egg, allowing water and bacteria to pass through the shell’s pores. Using soap is also unnecessary and may damage the shell’s surface.
