LEGO Washing Machine: How to Clean Your Bricks

LEGO bricks are a beloved toy for many, but they can get surprisingly dirty after years of play, gathering dust, grime, and the occasional sticky spill. This guide provides a safe, effective method for washing your LEGO collection using a washing machine, a technique that works well for large quantities of bricks. It’s a practical solution that saves time and restores your bricks to their former glory, though it requires careful preparation and a gentle touch to avoid damage.

Ingredients

LEGO bricks (any quantity, up to about 2 lbs / 900 g per load)
Mild liquid dish soap (e.g., Dawn, 1-2 teaspoons / 5-10 ml)
White vinegar (1/2 cup / 120 ml, optional for extra cleaning)
Clean, lint-free towels or mesh laundry bags (2-3 large)
Cold water (for rinsing)

Instructions

Sort and prepare your bricks: Remove any non-LEGO items, such as coins, paper, or other toys. Separate any electronic elements (lights, motors, batteries) and any stickers or decals – these must be cleaned by hand. Also, remove any large or delicate pieces that might break in the wash.
Place bricks in mesh bags: Divide your LEGO into several mesh laundry bags, filling each only halfway to allow water and soap to circulate freely. Securely close the bags with a zipper or tie. This prevents bricks from escaping and protects them from the machine’s drum.
Set your washing machine: Use the gentlest cycle available, typically labeled “Delicate,” “Hand Wash,” or “Gentle.” Set the water temperature to cold or cool (max 30°C / 86°F). Do not use hot water, as it can warp or deform the plastic.
Add detergent and optional vinegar: Add 1-2 teaspoons of mild dish soap to the machine’s detergent dispenser. If you want extra cleaning power, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment (or directly into the drum if your machine doesn’t have one). Avoid using regular laundry detergent, which can leave a residue.
Run the wash cycle: Start the machine and let it run through the entire cycle, including the spin cycle. The spin cycle is fine, but ensure the bags are securely closed to prevent bricks from flying out.
Rinse thoroughly: After the cycle ends, remove the bags and rinse them under cold running water in a sink or large basin. This ensures any soap residue is completely removed. You can also run a second rinse cycle in the machine without detergent.
Dry the bricks: Spread the bricks out on clean, dry towels in a single layer. Allow them to air dry completely for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. Do not use a dryer, as heat can damage the bricks. Once dry, they are ready to play with again.

Tips

Substitutions: If you don’t have mesh bags, use a pillowcase tied securely at the top. For a more natural clean, you can use a few drops of castile soap instead of dish soap.
Storage: After washing, store your LEGO in a cool, dry place. Avoid airtight containers if bricks are not completely dry, as trapped moisture can lead to mold.
Common mistakes: Do not use hot water or a dryer, as heat can warp bricks. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, which can discolor or weaken the plastic. Also, never wash bricks with stickers or electronic parts in the machine.
Stains: For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water before washing. This is safe for most bricks, but test on a less visible area first.

Serving Suggestions

Once your LEGO bricks are clean and dry, you can use them for building sets, creating custom designs, or displaying in a collection. They are perfect for playtime, educational activities, or even as decorative pieces in a themed room. The clean bricks will also be ready for resale or donation, if you choose to pass them on.

Variations

Hand washing: For small quantities or delicate pieces, you can wash by hand in a basin of cold water with a few drops of dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Dishwasher method: If you prefer, you can wash LEGO in the top rack of a dishwasher on a gentle cycle, using a mesh bag. Ensure the heat dry is off and use a mild detergent. This is quicker but may be less gentle than the washing machine method.
Sanitizing: For extra sanitization, you can soak the bricks in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 10 minutes before washing. Rinse well afterward.

Storage and Reheating

After washing, store your LEGO in a cool, dry place. If you washed a large batch, ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mold. They do not require reheating, but if you need to dry them faster, you can use a fan or a hair dryer on a cool setting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash LEGO with regular laundry detergent?
It’s best to avoid regular laundry detergent, as it can leave a residue on the bricks. Use a mild dish soap instead, which is designed to cut grease and rinse clean.

Will the washing machine damage my LEGO?
When done correctly, the washing machine is safe for most LEGO bricks. Using a gentle cycle, cold water, and mesh bags minimizes the risk of damage. However, very old or brittle bricks may crack, so inspect them before washing.

Can I put LEGO in the dryer?
No, never put LEGO in a dryer. The heat can warp or melt the plastic. Always air dry them.

How do I remove stickers before washing?
Stickers can be removed with a little rubbing alcohol or a hairdryer on low heat to soften the adhesive. Peel gently, and then wash the brick as usual.

Is it safe to wash LEGO with vinegar?
Yes, vinegar is safe and helps remove odors and residue. Use it in addition to soap, but be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Can I wash LEGO sets with printed pieces?
Printed pieces (with designs printed directly on the brick) are generally safe to wash, but the print may fade over time. To preserve them, hand washing is recommended.

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