SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-dry-clean-eggs

What is a safe way to clean a little dirt off a fresh egg?

Dry clean it with fine sandpaper, a brush or emery cloth.

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  1. Soak it in a bowl of cold water
  2. Scrub it with a kitchen sponge
  3. Rub it with fine sandpaper or a brush ✔

Why: Keeping the shell dry helps stop bacteria passing through it. Minnesota Extension recommends fine sandpaper, a brush or emery cloth, and says not to use rags or sponges.

Huh, didn't know that: Minnesota Extension also says to keep eggs dry, because germs can pass through a wet shell.

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References

Answer: Rub it with fine sandpaper or a brush. Keeping the shell dry helps stop bacteria passing through it. Minnesota Extension recommends fine sandpaper, a brush or emery cloth, and says not to use rags or sponges.

  1. Backyard Poultry, CDC Healthy Pets, Healthy People www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/backyard-poultry.html
    Eggs with dirt and debris can be cleaned carefully with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Safety Tips for Handling Farm Fresh Eggs, University of Minnesota Extension extension.umn.edu/agriculture/farm-operations-and-systems/small-farms/safety-tips-for-handling-farm-fresh-eggs
    Clean shells using a dry cleaning method such as fine sandpaper, a brush or emery cloth.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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