LEGO Care, Cleaning & Maintenance
How to Clean, Protect, and Preserve LEGO Sets Properly
LEGO sets are built to last, but long-term display, dust, sunlight, and improper storage can gradually affect their condition. Whether you are a casual builder or a serious collector, understanding how to clean, store, and maintain LEGO properly is essential for preserving both appearance and value.
This guide brings together LEGO care, cleaning, and maintenance best practices in one place — without product recommendations or buying advice.
It is part of the LEGO Knowledge Hub, which explains core LEGO concepts, care, and terminology in one structured place.
What This Guide Covers
This page explains:
How to clean LEGO safely without damaging bricks
How to deal with dust, dirt, and grime on displayed sets
Why LEGO bricks sometimes yellow over time
How to store LEGO long term
Common myths about gluing, sealing, and permanent builds
All guidance is based on material behaviour, LEGO design standards, and long-term collector experience.
How to Clean LEGO Safely
Regular cleaning helps prevent dust buildup and surface wear.
Dry Cleaning (For Displayed Sets)
For lightly dusty LEGO sets:
Use a soft makeup brush or clean paintbrush
Work gently from top to bottom
Avoid compressed air at close range (can loosen parts)
Dry cleaning is ideal for sets that are already assembled and displayed.
Wet Cleaning (For Loose Bricks or Disassembled Sets)
If LEGO bricks need deeper cleaning:
Use lukewarm water
Add a small amount of mild dish soap
Gently agitate by hand
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Air-dry completely on a towel
⚠️ Avoid:
Hot water
Dishwashers
Strong detergents
Scrubbing with abrasive tools
Why LEGO Bricks Turn Yellow
Yellowing is one of the most common long-term LEGO concerns.
This occurs due to:
UV exposure from sunlight
Oxidation of ABS plastic
Heat and environmental factors
Important clarification:
Yellowing is a chemical change, not dirt
Cleaning alone cannot fully reverse it
Hydrogen peroxide methods exist, but can weaken plastic if misused
Prevention is more effective than restoration.
The material properties behind this ageing process are explained further in LEGO Pieces, Minifigures & Design Details.
How to Prevent Damage Over Time
To protect LEGO sets in the long term:
Keep displays out of direct sunlight
Avoid placing sets near heat sources
Maintain stable room temperature
Reduce dust exposure where possible
For collectors, environment matters as much as handling.
Long-Term LEGO Storage Best Practices
If LEGO is not on display:
Store in cool, dry conditions
Avoid sealed bags in hot environments
Use breathable containers when possible
Separate instructions and stickers from bricks
Moisture and heat are the biggest long-term risks.
Should LEGO Sets Be Glued?
LEGO bricks are designed to hold together through clutch power, not adhesives.
Gluing LEGO:
Permanently damages bricks
Reduces future rebuild options
Lowers collector value
Makes cleaning and repairs difficult
Permanent builds are possible, but gluing is rarely recommended unless reversibility is not a concern.
Cleaning Minifigures and Printed Parts
Minifigures require extra care:
Clean gently by hand
Avoid soaking printed or decorated parts for long periods
Never use alcohol or solvents
Printed details can fade if treated harshly.
Common LEGO Care Myths
“LEGO is waterproof”
→ LEGO tolerates water, but long exposure and heat can cause damage.
“Yellowing means LEGO is low quality”
→ Yellowing is a known plastic ageing issue, not a manufacturing defect.
“Glued LEGO lasts longer”
→ Gluing often causes more harm than good.
When to Clean LEGO (And When Not To)
Clean LEGO:
When dust buildup is visible
Before long-term storage
After exposure to dirt or spills
Avoid unnecessary cleaning:
If a set is clean and stable
If parts are fragile or rare
Over-cleaning can cause wear just as much as neglect.
Final Thoughts
Proper LEGO care is about balance — keeping sets clean and protected without overhandling or unnecessary intervention.
With the right approach, LEGO can remain in excellent condition for decades, whether displayed, stored, or rebuilt over time.
If you’re exploring how LEGO sets are displayed and protected, see our guide to LEGO display methods.