Cleaning LEGO® without damage

By Josse de Wijs
2 min read
LEGO® schoonmaken zonder beschadiging

Clean LEGO® with lukewarm water (maximum about 40 °C) and a little mild soap. Soak the bricks, brush gently, rinse, and let them air dry completely. Do not use hot water, dishwasher, bleach, or harsh cleaners: these can warp or discolor the bricks.

Whether you’ve bought a used set or want to refresh your own collection: cleaning LEGO® is easy, as long as you do it carefully. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to do it safely, what to avoid, and how to handle minifigures and stickers.

Why should you clean LEGO® carefully?

LEGO® bricks are made of ABS plastic. It’s strong but sensitive to high temperatures. Above about 40 °C, bricks can warp, discolor, or lose their shine. That’s why a gentle, cool approach is always best.

Cleaning LEGO® in 5 steps

  1. Take the set apart (or separate what you want to clean) and remove sticker parts and electronics.
  2. Fill a container with lukewarm water (max. ~40 °C) and add a small amount of mild dish soap.
  3. Let the bricks soak for 10–15 minutes. For stubborn dirt, gently brush with a soft (tooth)brush.
  4. Rinse with clean, lukewarm water to remove soap residue.
  5. Let air dry completely on a towel, out of direct sunlight. Only rebuild once everything is bone dry.

Can LEGO® go in the dishwasher?

No, we don’t recommend it. The dishwasher gets too hot and the rinse pressure can damage or discolor bricks. Hand washing with lukewarm water is safer and just as effective.

Cleaning LEGO® minifigures and printed parts

Be extra careful with printed parts and minifigures: don’t scrub hard, as the print can wear off. Dab them and use only your fingers or a very soft brush. For sticker parts, it’s best to just lightly wipe with a damp cloth.

What you should avoid

  • No hot or boiling water.
  • No dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer.
  • No bleach, acetone, alcohol, or abrasives.
  • Don’t dry in direct sunlight (can cause discoloration).
  • Never submerge electronic parts (motors, lights).

Just cleaned and want more?

A cleaned set is as good as new. Considering buying an older set? This is exactly why buying used LEGO® is so appealing. Check out our inspected used LEGO® sets or expand your collection with loose parts.

At what temperature can I wash LEGO®?

Use lukewarm water at a maximum temperature of approximately 40 °C to clean LEGO®. Water that is too hot can deform or discolor LEGO® bricks or affect their shine. If desired, add a small amount of mild soap, then rinse the parts thoroughly and let them air-dry completely.

How can I get yellowed LEGO® white again?

Yellowing usually occurs due to prolonged exposure to UV light and does not always disappear with regular cleaning. Lukewarm water and mild soap remove dirt and residue, but often do not fully restore the original color. Therefore, store white and light-colored LEGO® away from direct sunlight to limit further discoloration as much as possible.

How long does LEGO® need to dry?

After cleaning, let LEGO® pieces air-dry for at least 24 hours on a clean towel. Turn the bricks over occasionally so that water can also drain from hollow pieces and openings. Do not rebuild the set until all the bricks are completely dry.

How do you clean LEGO® with stickers, prints, or electronics?

LEGO® parts with stickers or prints require extra care. Only lightly wipe stickered parts with a damp cloth and do not scrub printed parts vigorously, as the print may wear off. Electronic parts, motors, and lights should never be submerged; only gently clean the outside.

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