Lego Washing Machine Cheap: DIY Brick Cleaner

This isn’t a recipe for food—it’s a recipe for rescuing your precious LEGO bricks from dust, grime, and sticky fingerprints using a cheap, DIY washing machine made from household items. It works because it uses the gentle agitation of a salad spinner or a mesh bag in your regular washer, combined with a mild soap that won’t damage the plastic. You’ll get clean, fresh-smelling bricks ready for building again, all without spending money on specialized cleaners.

Ingredients

LEGO bricks and minifigures – up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg) per batch
Warm water – enough to cover the LEGO in your container (about 1–2 gallons / 4–8 L)
Mild dish soap – 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) (e.g., Dawn, Seventh Generation)
White vinegar – 1/4 cup (60 ml) (optional, for extra grime and odor)
Mesh laundry bag (with fine mesh) or a large pillowcase (for machine method)
Salad spinner (large, at least 5-quart capacity) – for the manual method
Clean towels – 2–3 large, absorbent towels for drying

Instructions

Sort and prep your LEGO: Remove any non-LEGO items, paper stickers, or electronic parts (like lights or motors). Separate minifigures with fragile pieces (like capes or hair) and set them aside—they may need gentler handling. If you have a huge collection, work in batches of about 5 lbs (2.3 kg) to ensure thorough cleaning.
Choose your method: For the salad spinner method (best for small to medium batches), place the LEGO in the spinner basket. For the washing machine method (best for larger batches), place the LEGO in a mesh bag or pillowcase and tie it securely.
Wash with soap: If using a salad spinner, fill the spinner with warm water (not hot, as hot water can warp bricks) and add 1–2 teaspoons of dish soap and the vinegar if using. Gently agitate the spinner by hand for 2–3 minutes, then let it soak for 5 minutes. If using a washing machine, set it to a gentle/delicate cycle with cold or warm water (never hot) and add a few drops of dish soap to the machine’s detergent dispenser. Do not use regular laundry detergent—it can leave a film.
Rinse thoroughly: For the spinner method, drain the soapy water and refill with clean warm water. Spin the basket a few times to agitate, then repeat until no suds remain (usually 2–3 rinses). For the washing machine, run an extra rinse cycle with cold water.
Spin dry: If using a salad spinner, use the spinner’s spin function to remove excess water. If using a washing machine, run a final spin cycle (no water) to extract as much water as possible.
Air dry completely: Spread the LEGO out on a clean, dry towel in a single layer. Roll the towel up and gently press to absorb more moisture. Then, spread the bricks on a fresh towel or a drying rack. Allow them to air dry for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight for best results. Ensure every piece is completely dry before storing, as trapped moisture can cause mold.
Check for cleanliness: Once dry, inspect a few bricks. If any stubborn grime remains, spot-clean with a soft toothbrush and a little soapy water, then rinse and dry again.

Tips

Never use hot water: Hot water can warp or discolor LEGO bricks. Always use warm or cold water.
Avoid the dishwasher: The high heat and harsh detergents can damage bricks, causing them to become brittle or lose their print.
Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals: These can degrade the plastic and ruin the bricks’ finish. Stick to mild dish soap and vinegar.
Dry thoroughly: The #1 cause of mold in LEGO collections is moisture. Make sure every piece is bone-dry before putting them back in storage bins.

Serving Suggestions

Once your LEGO are clean and dry, they’re ready for building! Sort them by color or type into storage bins, or set them out on a tray for an afternoon of creative play. You can also use this cleaning method for DUPLO blocks and other plastic building toys.

Variations

Hand-washing for delicate pieces: For minifigures with painted details or stickers, hand-wash them gently with a soft cloth and soapy water instead of the spinner or machine.
Vinegar boost: Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of white vinegar to the wash water to help remove sticky residue and deodorize musty bricks.
No-spinner method: If you don’t have a salad spinner, use a large bowl and a colander. Soak the LEGO in soapy water, swish them around, then rinse in the colander under warm running water.

Storage and Reheating

This cleaning process doesn’t produce leftovers, but proper storage is key. Once your LEGO are completely dry, store them in airtight containers or zip-top bags in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements or attics. If you need to re-clean a batch that has become dusty again, simply repeat the process—there’s no need to re-soak; a quick rinse and spin will do. Cleaned LEGO will stay fresh indefinitely if stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular washing machine for LEGO? Yes, but only with a gentle cycle, cold/warm water, and a mesh bag or pillowcase. Never use hot water or regular detergent—use a tiny amount of dish soap. The machine’s agitation is fine for sturdy bricks, but be cautious with delicate pieces.

Will the salad spinner scratch my LEGO? No, the plastic basket of a salad spinner is soft enough not to scratch ABS plastic. However, avoid using a spinner with a metal basket or rough edges.

How long does it take to dry LEGO? Typically 1–2 hours on a towel, but thicker pieces like bricks with tubes may take up to 4 hours. Overnight is safest for large batches.

Can I clean LEGO with stickers on them? It’s best to remove stickers before washing, as water can weaken the adhesive. If you can’t remove them, hand-wash gently and avoid scrubbing the sticker area.

Is it safe to use vinegar on LEGO? Yes, white vinegar is safe for ABS plastic and helps remove odors and grime. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.

What if my LEGO are very dusty? For dusty bricks, you can first give them a quick dry wipe with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dust before washing.

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