So you planning on playing with your LEGO sets in water but are wondering whether they can go in the water?
Maybe you’re just thinking of building a custom city underwater but don’t know whether it would be a good idea or not.
Whatever your doubt is, I’m going to clear it for you right now. So can LEGO go in the water?
The answer is Yes, LEGO bricks are waterproof and are made of ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic which is known to be waterproof and has a moisture absorption of less than one percent.
However, there are types of LEGO parts such as electronic parts, assemblies, and mechanical components, and other non-traditional parts such as Cloth, Foam, String, Paper, and Rubber that should never be put into water.
Putting electronic parts like lights, sensors, motors, and battery boxes can cause damage to the parts and pose a safety risk.
Immersing assemblies and mechanical components in water don’t pose any safety risk. These components are made of multiple smaller pieces which can’t come apart and water could get inside these parts and never fully dry out which can result in mold or mildew growth.
Other non-traditional parts including foam, string, cloth, paper, and rubber bands may deteriorate when submerged in water (depending on the contents) and stickers are more likely to lose their adhesive and peel off.
Now that you have an idea about whether LEGO sets can go in the water, let’s take a look at other important things you should know about putting LEGO sets in water.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can LEGO Go In The Dishwasher?
Although LEGO can go through the washer, it is however not recommended because the LEGO company has officially warned to not put LEGO pieces in the washing machine or dishwasher to clean LEGO pieces.
The company has also warned not to dry them in the oven, with a hairdryer or microwave because the bricks might change shape when they get hot which means that they’ll not work anymore.
Not only the pieces, but the capes should also not be put through the washing machine because they are very delicate, can get wet, and should be treated with great care. You should also avoid bending, crumpling, or putting them in a bin as they’ll get frayed.
Handwashing and air drying Lego capes or any other cloth Lego material work well but it is not recommended to throw them in the dryer.
Can LEGO Figures Go In Water?
Yes LEGO figures can go in the water. They are made of plastics and water won’t cause any harm to them. You can put them in the water or even wash them in the sink and they’ll be fine.
However, there are other LEGO parts such as the lightning elements, motors, elements with stickers, and pistons, that can damage or pose a safety risk if put into water.
Furthermore, it can sometimes be very difficult to get water out of a LEGO creation because most of the elements are not airtight and their nooks and crannies can hold water and make water drops last quite a while.
Caution should be taken against putting LEGO into salt water (if it has metal components) to avoid rust. Although saltwater won’t technically hurt LEGO plastics (ABS), it is generally more rough on things than fresh water and can cause the metal components to rust.
What Happens If You Put LEGOs In Water?
Basic LEGO elements won’t get damaged when put into water because it’s waterproof and it’s okay to put them in water. However, some residue may build up after prolonged immersion depending on the condition of the water source.
ABS plastic is not directly affected by water because there are no chemical or mechanical effects. However, it is suggested to use distilled water if you’re thinking of keeping your LEGOs in water without causing any damage to the parts.
Is LEGO Safe In Water?
Yes LEGO plastic is waterproof and will be safe in water. There are LEGO sets that are specifically designed to float in water. However, it is not safe to put electrical or mechanical LEGO components in water as it may pose safety risks.
LEGO has occasionally offered snow globes with LEGO figures inside. However, the biggest concern is exposure to living stuff like mold or algae. However it is unlikely to get algae or mold in clean, distilled water and there’ll be no way in or out if the globes are kept sealed.
Additionally, a large container like a fish tank is likely to have very big openings where things can get in and muck up the water over time.
Furthermore, water might affect the clutch power of the bricks too, although ABS plastics have a moisture absorption rate of less than one percent.
Does LEGO Degrade In Water?
No, LEGO bricks should be fine and will not degrade in clean distilled water. However, you may need some maintenance to keep them looking good if you’re turning them into an aquarium setting or adding them to a fish tank.
Can LEGO Stickers Get Wet?
No LEGO stickers are vinyl and can not get wet. However, it will lose its adhesive and eventually peel off when submerged in water over time.
Stickers don’t hold up water very well although new ones can be pretty tough they will eventually peel off when put into water.
Can LEGO Get Wet?
No LEGO pieces are made of plastic and can not get wet. ABS plastic is waterproof and has a moisture absorption rate of less than one percent.
However, non-traditional LEGO parts such as cloth, capes, and foam can get wet when submerged in water.
Final Thoughts
Because LEGO bricks are made of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastics, they are waterproof and can go in the water.
Electronic LEGO components such as motors, lights, and battery boxes should never be submerged in water as they can damage and pose a safety risk.
Non-traditional LEGO parts such as cloth, paper, and stickers can also get damaged when put in water.
It is also not recommended to put LEGO through dishwashers or washing machines, ovens, microwaves, or hairdryers.
