Garlic questions

[Tee Gee]

How come they are so clean

As Robert mentioned the secret is in the drying.

Once dry, the soil just falls away as does the outer skin. Then its just a case of cutting off the roots and shortening the stem.

I wouldn't wash them, this defeats the object of drying them, and as you mention your cloves are exposed so in your case, this could create a harbour for diseases derived from damp conditions.

[Tee Gee]