Eggs come naturally coated with a protective layer called the 'bloom' that keeps bacteria like Salmonella away.
Washing eggs removes the protective bloom, making the eggshell porous and prone to bacteria, increasing spoilage risk.
To keep eggs safe and fresh, skip washing them before storing, wash only before use if necessary, and refrigerate eggs immediately at or below 40°F.
In the U.S., eggs are washed commercially and must be refrigerated, while in Europe and other countries, unwashed eggs last longer due to the preserved bloom.