Can You Get Sick From Unwashed Chicken Eggs?

If you’ve ever reached into a nest box on a cool morning and felt the warmth of a freshly laid egg, you know that feeling of satisfaction that comes with raising your own hens. It’s a small reward, straight from nature — no store packaging, no barcode, just a pure farm moment. But then comes the question that trips up even experienced chicken keepers: should you wash your eggs, or leave them as they are? I’ve been there, standing by the kitchen sink with a basket of eggs, wondering if a little dirt or straw means danger lurking on the shell.

When I first started keeping chickens here on the farm, I used to wash every single egg. I thought I was doing the right thing — making them “clean” for the family. Then one day, I cracked an egg that had been washed and stored on the counter for a few days, only to find it spoiled. That sent me down the rabbit hole of research, and I quickly realized something: washing eggs can actually remove their natural protection. So the question isn’t just can you get sick from unwashed chicken eggs — it’s also what happens when you wash them the wrong way.

There’s a lot of confusion out there. Some people swear unwashed eggs are dangerous because of salmonella, while others say washing them is what causes contamination. The truth is somewhere in the middle, and it’s all about how you handle and store those eggs. So, if you’ve been scratching your head over whether unwashed eggs are safe to eat, or wondering can unwashed eggs be left out on your kitchen counter, this guide will give you the honest, farm-tested truth — the kind you only learn from years of tending hens and cracking a few mistakes along the way.

Understanding the “Bloom”: Nature’s Protective Layer

Every freshly laid egg has a thin, invisible coating called the bloom (or cuticle). It’s like nature’s sealant, locking out bacteria and keeping the egg fresh. When you wash the egg with water, especially warm water, that bloom gets stripped away. Without it, the egg becomes more porous, making it easier for bacteria like Salmonella to slip inside.

On the farm, I like to think of the bloom as a built-in defense system — a natural armor. If your eggs come out relatively clean, it’s better to just brush off bits of straw or dirt and store them unwashed until you’re ready to use them. Once you wash an egg, it’s best to refrigerate it right away.

So… Can You Actually Get Sick From Unwashed Eggs?

Here’s the simple answer: yes, it’s possible — but rare when eggs are handled correctly. The risk comes mainly from bacteria on the shell, not from the egg itself. In most small flock setups where hens are healthy and nesting boxes are kept clean, the chances of contamination are very low.

Now, if your eggs are visibly dirty or have droppings stuck to them, bacteria can transfer when you crack them open. That’s when trouble might start. But with good coop hygiene and careful handling, unwashed eggs are perfectly safe for most people to eat.

The American vs. European Way of Handling Eggs

Here’s where it gets interesting. In the United States, eggs are washed and sanitized before hitting store shelves — which means the bloom is gone, so refrigeration is mandatory. In Europe, it’s the opposite. Farmers leave the bloom intact, and eggs sit safely at room temperature for weeks.

So if you’re raising chickens in the U.S. and wondering can unwashed eggs be left out, the answer is yes — as long as the bloom is intact and they’ve never been washed. I personally leave my unwashed eggs on the counter for up to two weeks without a problem. After that, I refrigerate them to extend freshness.

How Long Can Unwashed Eggs Sit Out?

Let’s break it down:

• Unwashed farm-fresh eggs: About 2 weeks at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the fridge.

• Washed eggs: Should be refrigerated immediately and used within 4–6 weeks.

I once did a little experiment — kept two batches, one washed, one not. The unwashed ones lasted almost twice as long. It was proof enough that nature knows what she’s doing.

Risks of Unwashed Eggs (And How to Avoid Them)

Even though unwashed eggs are generally safe, you should still take precautions:

1. Keep nesting boxes clean. Change bedding often so eggs don’t get soiled.

2. Collect eggs daily. The longer they sit, the more chance they have to pick up bacteria.

3. Handle gently. Cracked shells let in bacteria.

4. Store consistently. Once refrigerated, keep them cold — don’t move them back and forth between cold and warm.

Following these steps almost completely eliminates the chance of getting sick from unwashed eggs.

How to Clean Dirty Eggs Without Washing Away the Bloom

Sometimes, no matter how clean your coop is, you’ll get a few muddy or poopy eggs. Instead of dunking them under the faucet, try this:

• Dry clean first: Use a paper towel, soft brush, or a piece of sandpaper to gently wipe off dirt.

• Spot clean: If an egg is really messy, use a cloth lightly dampened with warm (not hot) water.

• Air dry: Let them dry completely before storing.

That’s the system I’ve used for years, and it works like a charm.

What Happens If You Eat a Contaminated Egg?

If bacteria like Salmonella do make their way into your food, you might experience symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea within a few hours. But again — it’s rare from backyard eggs, especially if you cook them properly.

Cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are firm kills any potential bacteria. So if you’re ever unsure about an egg’s cleanliness, just scramble or fry it well instead of eating it soft-boiled or raw.

How to Store Unwashed Eggs Safely

Here’s my farm-tested routine:

1. Sort: Separate cracked or damaged eggs for immediate use.

2. Basket storage: Keep clean, unwashed eggs in a basket or carton in a cool, dry spot.

3. Rotate: Always use the oldest ones first. I write the date with a pencil right on the shell.

4. Refrigerate after 2 weeks: Just to be safe, especially if the weather’s hot.

If you ever need to refrigerate them after leaving them out, chill them quickly and keep them cold — once an egg goes cold, keep it that way.

Can Unwashed Eggs Be Sold in the U.S.?

If you’re selling eggs locally, rules vary by state. Some farmers’ markets allow the sale of unwashed eggs, provided they’re clean and labeled properly. Always check your local agricultural department’s guidelines before selling.

I’ve met small-scale farmers who proudly sell unwashed eggs because they trust the natural bloom and their coop hygiene. Customers often prefer it that way, too — it feels more “real.”

FAQs About Unwashed Eggs

Q: Can unwashed eggs be left out on the counter?
Yes. As long as they’re clean and have their natural bloom intact, they can sit out for about 2 weeks safely.

Q: Should I wash eggs before cooking?
You can give them a quick rinse right before cooking if you like, but it’s not necessary if they were stored clean.

Q: How can I tell if an egg is still good?
Do the float test. Place the egg in a bowl of water — if it sinks and lays flat, it’s fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it’s old.

Q: Are unwashed eggs healthier?
Not necessarily, but they’re fresher for longer because the bloom helps preserve the inside naturally.

A Real-Life Lesson From the Coop

Last winter, I had a batch of unwashed eggs sitting on my counter for almost three weeks. A friend came over and was shocked I hadn’t put them in the fridge. “You’re not afraid of getting sick?” she asked. I smiled and cracked one open right there — bright orange yolk, thick white, smelled clean and fresh. “That,” I said, “is what a clean coop and a good hen will give you every time.”

That little moment reminded me why I trust the natural way. Clean birds, clean nests, and a bit of common sense go a long way in keeping your eggs — and your family — safe.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process, But Respect the Risk

Raising chickens teaches you balance. You learn when to trust nature and when to step in. Unwashed eggs aren’t something to fear — they’re part of how the world worked long before we had grocery stores and sanitizing sprays. But that doesn’t mean we get careless. Handle them with care, keep your flock healthy, and respect that little shell for the miracle it is.

So next time you collect a basket of warm, unwashed eggs, ask yourself — will you trust the bloom, or wash away nature’s protection?