“Every LEGO®* collection deserves a little TLC. From cleaning loose bricks and dusty display models to avoiding costly cleaning mistakes, here’s everything you need to know to keep your bricks at their best”
Cleaning Basics
LEGO® bricks (and other brand building bricks) are built to last, but regular cleaning helps keep them looking their best. Whether you’ve discovered an old collection in the attic or your bricks have collected dust from daily play, a gentle clean is all they need.
Start by placing the bricks in a container of lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently stir or use a soft cloth to remove any dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Avoid using hot water, dishwashers, washing machines, bleach, or harsh cleaning products. High temperatures can damage bricks, affect colours, and cause pieces to warp.
To dry your bricks, spread them on a towel/sheet and let them air-dry completely before storing or rebuilding. This may take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size and type of pieces.
A little care goes a long way. Clean bricks not only look better, but they are more enjoyable to build with and help keep your LEGO collection in great condition for years to come.
Cleaning Your Displayed LEGO® Sets
Display sets can quickly collect dust, especially on detailed builds and hard-to-reach areas (not to mention the spiders that enjoy hiding in them or making themselves at home in a modular building or spaceship). For regular maintenance, use a soft-bristled paintbrush or clean makeup brush to sweep dust from the model gently (I tend to walk outside to do the dusting; otherwise, the loose dust particles will just make their way back to your models). A CleanMyBricks mini vacuum or any low-powered handheld vacuum can also help remove loose dust.
If your set needs a deeper clean, dust it off, take it apart, then wash any dirty bricks using the cleaning method outlined above. Once everything is completely dry, enjoy the fun of rebuilding your set while restoring it to its original condition.
5 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot/boiling water – High temperatures can warp bricks and damage their shape.
- Putting bricks in the dishwasher or a hot wash washing machine cycle – The heat and agitation can cause permanent damage.
- Using bleach or harsh chemicals – These can weaken plastic, fade colours, or cause discolouration.
- Skipping the drying process – Trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant odours and water spots (bacteria love a moist spot to grow in).
- Scrubbing with abrasive brushes or pads – Rough cleaning tools can scratch the surface and dull the finish.
Extra Cleaning Tips
- Sort before you wash: If you’re cleaning a large collection, sort out electronics, stickered pieces, printed elements, and special parts before washing. These require extra care…see the details below.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for small parts: Very small pieces can disappear down the sink. A mesh bag or colander helps keep everything together while rinsing.
- Clean the storage bins and drawers too: There’s little benefit in cleaning the bricks if they’re going straight back into a dusty/dirty container. Give storage bins and drawers a quick wipe before putting pieces away.
- Keep electronics dry: Motors, battery boxes, lights, and Powered Up components should never be submerged in water. Instead, wipe them gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Watch out for stickered pieces: Older stickers can peel, wrinkle, or fade if soaked for too long. Clean these gently with a lightly damp cloth instead.
- Dust regularly rather than deep-cleaning often: A quick dust every few weeks is much easier than tackling years of built-up grime on a collection or display set.
For the AFOL’s…
And lastly, if you are an AFOL (Adult fan of LEGO) who loves taking your sets, MOCs (My Own Creation), and MODs (Modified LEGO® sets) to shows and exhibitions…NEVER, and I mean NEVER, put a dusty creation on display. It does not look professional or even nice to look at. Take the time before an event – or carve out time while setting up- to use that makeup brush and dust off your display. Pack a microfiber cloth in case anything needs a firmer clean. Watch out for our next post, which will have all you need to know for exhibiting your creations at Brick Shows, exhibitions, fundraisers, etc.
*Disclaimer: LEGO® is a protected trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies. Which does not in any way sponsor or authorise us or this message. Neither do they endorse our website and any of our individual services. House of Bricks is not affiliated or licensed by the LEGO® Group of Companies. And respects LEGO® Trademarks. The LEGO® Company has a set of ‘Fair Play’ rules that we work to abide by to respect their IP.
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