How to Clean and Maintain Your LEGO Sets: A Comprehensive Guide

LEGO sets are more than just toys; they are investments in creativity, engineering, and nostalgic memories. But how do you make sure these beloved plastic bricks last a lifetime? In this guide, we'll cover how to store LEGO sets, how to safely clean LEGO bricks, how to dust LEGO displays, as well as how to care for boxed and sealed LEGO sets.

Why LEGO Maintenance Matters

We all want our LEGO sets to stay as vibrant and functional as the day we first built them. Over time, these sets can accumulate dust, lose their colour, and even sustain damage if not stored or displayed correctly. Proper care ensures that each LEGO brick can remain a lasting part of your collection.

How to Store Lego Sets for Longevity

Storing LEGO - The Essentials

• Sort Before You Store: Sorting your LEGO by size, colour, or set can save you headaches and finders frustration later on.

• Climate-Controlled Environment: Keep your LEGO sets in a cool, dry place to avoid the risks of warping from heat or discolouration (the must susceptible being whites and blues according to Bricknerd.com).

• UV Protection: Sunlight can bleach the vibrant colours of your LEGO sets, making them look old and worn out. Whites in particular can becomes a washed-out yellowish colour.

LEGO Storage Solutions

• Plastic Storage Bins: These bins are excellent options for LEGO storage, offering both visibility and easy access, but lack in-depth organisation.

• Drawer Systems: Small drawers or hardware cabinets are useful for more organised and compartmentalised LEGO storage.

• Zip-Lock Bags: These are particularly useful for keeping your LEGO sets intact and can be placed within larger storage containers.

How to Clean LEGO Bricks Safely

• Separate and Soak: Remove any electronic components or parts with stickers or transfers before soaking your LEGO bricks in warm water with a mild mild soap.

• Gentle Scrubbing: Use a soft toothbrush to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach spots on your LEGO bricks.

• Rinse and Dry: Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse your LEGO bricks in clean lukewarm water and air-dry them on a towel.

• Dishwasher Cleaning: This is a risky approach... Though some people swear-by cleaning LEGO bricks in a dishwasher, we advise against it. The high temperatures can warp the bricks and you risk losing smaller parts (which could even block your dishwasher in-turn).

How to Dust LEGO Displays

Dusting is an often-overlooked aspect of LEGO maintenance, especially for sets that are displayed for long periods or in areas frequented by people and pets.

Dusting Tools

• Soft Paintbrush: Use a soft paintbrush to lightly brush away dust from the surface of your LEGO set, both with ease and accuracy.

• Microfibre Duster: Nerdacity's weapon of choice for dusting the grooves between the 1000's of 4073 studs we use to make custom LEGO mosaics.

• Compressed Air: A can of compressed air, like those often found cheaply for keyboard cleaning, can effectively remove dust from those difficult nooks and crannies.

Dusting Frequency

Regularly dusting your LEGO displays once a week as part of your regular housework rota can prevent build-up and maintain the set's visual appeal.

Caring for Boxed LEGO Sets

For collectors who have boxed LEGO sets (or those who like to keep their LEGO boxes in general), the approach to care and maintenance changes slightly due to the cardboard.

Storage

Keep sealed boxes in a climate-controlled environment, away from humidity and extreme temperatures that could affect the integrity and appeal of the box.

Handling

Handle the boxes with care to avoid dents and creases, as these can affect the set's future value. If you intend to resell them, the condition of the box can significantly impact the price.

Cleaning and Dusting

A microfibre cloth or duster should make short work of any dust or dirt on your box. Do not use any liquids or chemicals as these could leave permanent damage and/or residue

Advanced LEGO Maintenance Techniques

Restoring LEGO Brick Colour

A hydrogen peroxide bath under UV light may help restore the colour of yellowed bricks. Use this method cautiously and with appropriate safety measures.

Removing Stickers and Adhesive from LEGO

To remove stickers or adhesive residues isopropyl alcohol can be effective. Always test any solution on an inconspicuous area first.

Lubricating LEGO Joints and Hinges

For sets with multiple moving parts, a silicone-based lubricant can be beneficial. Avoid oil-based lubricants, which can degrade the plastic.

3 Simple LEGO Longevity Rules: Best Practices for Caring for Your Collection

1. Clean Hands, Clean Bricks: Handle your LEGO bricks with clean hands.

2. Food-Free Zone: Keep your LEGO building area free from food and drinks.

3. Periodic Maintenance: Regular inspections and cleaning can go a long way in preserving your LEGO.

Final Thoughts

Your LEGO sets are cherished parts of your life, and by taking the right steps to store, clean, dust them, you ensure their longevity and your continued enjoyment. Follow these LEGO maintenance tips to keep your collection in the best possible condition for decades to come!

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