How do you get dye date off eggs?

Answer 1

NOTE: a pysankar from Europe reports that using the Mr. Clean-type "Magic Eraser" sponges removes these marks quickly, cleanly, and without damaging the cuticle. This appears to be a promising solution to this problem.

Previous answer: There is, generally, no good way to get the date off of an egg without damaging the cuticle (the outer layer of a shell). The egg producers are making them to be eaten, not to be decorated, so do not take this into consideration. The dye must be permanent enough not to come off when the egg sweats (when moisture from the air condenses on its surface) in order to be useful, so it's generally not removable in a simple, non-abrasive way.

Some date stamps are more permanent than others; it is worth trying to wash the stamp off with mild dish detergent (e.g. Ivory) and a Scotch-Brite pad.

Most people who use dated eggs for making pysanky simply leave them on, and either incorporate the colors into their design, or work around the marks.

It's best to avoid eggs with these marks when making pysanky.