Touched the Etrog before Washing Hands
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Question
If someone touched the etrog after a night's sleep before washing their hands, is the etrog fit for the mitzvah?
Answer
Since food that has been touched before the morning washing of hands is dangerous to eat due to the evil spirit that rests upon it, and an etrog that is forbidden to eat is not fit for the mitzvah, one should not use this etrog for the mitzvah. However, it can be washed with water three times, and then the evil spirit will depart from it, allowing one to bless on it initially.
It is permitted to wash the etrog on Yom Tov, even though this makes it fit for the mitzvah.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 4, Seif 5, Mishnah Berurah, Seif Katan 14. Talmud, Sukkah 34b.