How to Store Fresh Eggs
There is one rule that decides everything: do not wash them. An unwashed egg keeps for weeks on the counter; a washed one needs the fridge.
Why washing shortens shelf life
A fresh egg leaves the hen with a thin protective coating called the bloom or cuticle. It seals the shell's pores and keeps bacteria out while moisture stays in. Washing removes it — which is why commercial eggs are washed and refrigerated.
Storage times
| Condition | Room temp (under 20°C) | Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Unwashed, bloom intact | 2–3 weeks | 3–5 months |
| Washed | Not advised | 3–5 weeks |
| Shop-bought (washed) | — | Use by date, usually 3–5 weeks |
| Hard-boiled | — | 1 week |
| Frozen (beaten) | — | Up to 12 months |
How to store them properly
- Pointy end down — keeps the air cell at the blunt end where it belongs
- Do not wash until you use them — wipe off dirt with a dry cloth instead
- Cool, stable temperature — a fridge door is the worst place; the main shelf is better
- Keep away from strong smells — shells are porous and eggs absorb odours
- Do not re-refrigerate — temperature swings cause condensation, which invites bacteria in
The float test
Put the egg in a bowl of water:
- Sinks flat — fresh
- Stands on one end — older but usually still fine; use for baking or hard-boiling
- Floats — old. The air cell has grown. Discard or crack it and smell it.
The float test measures age, not safety. An egg can float and still be edible, or sink and be bad. The definitive test is your nose: crack it into a separate bowl and smell. A rotten egg is unmistakable.
Should you refrigerate?
In the US and most of Europe, yes — because shop eggs are washed. If you keep your own hens and never wash the eggs, room temperature is fine and arguably better for baking.
Whatever you choose, be consistent. Moving eggs between fridge and counter repeatedly is worse than either.
Common questions
How long do fresh eggs last unrefrigerated?
Unwashed eggs with the bloom intact keep 2-3 weeks at room temperature under 20C. Refrigerated, 3-5 months.
Should you wash fresh eggs?
No, not until you use them. Washing removes the protective bloom and dramatically shortens shelf life.
Does the float test work?
It indicates age, not safety. A floating egg is old, but the reliable test is cracking it into a separate bowl and smelling it.
Why do eggs need to be stored pointy end down?
It keeps the air cell at the blunt end, which stops the yolk from pressing against and weakening the shell membrane.
Full first-year chicken guide: Backyard Chickens for Beginners.
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