How To Clean And Dry LEGO Bricks – Easy Steps

If you’re buying used LEGO sets on BrickLink, eBay, at garage sales, or in thrift stores, you may find that many of the bricks are dirty and need cleaning.

LEGO sets can also gather dust and grime over time if kept in storage or on display. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean LEGO bricks, how to dry them safely, and tips for dealing with discolored or dusty pieces.

Let’s get started.

Things You Need for Cleaning and Drying LEGO Bricks

1. Brick Separator to take pieces apart before cleaning.
2. Large Plastic Bin
   Fill with lukewarm water (not exceeding 104°F/40°C) and add a small amount of mild dish detergent. Avoid bleach—it can damage the plastic.
3. Sponge or Soft Cloth
   Use this to gently scrub LEGO pieces if they’re especially dirty.
4. Mesh Bag or Small Bin
   Useful for rinsing batches of LEGO bricks, especially small ones, without losing pieces.

5. Towels
   For spreading out pieces to air dry. Use as many as needed to avoid crowding.

6. Fan
   Helps speed up the drying process. Avoid using ovens, microwaves, or hair dryers, as high heat can warp the bricks.

Check our article on how to wash LEGO bricks to learn more about this process.

How to Clean LEGO Bricks

1. Disassemble All Bricks
   Remove all pieces and keep the stickered or printed parts aside (clean these with a damp cloth instead).

2. Soak in Mild Detergent
   Fill your plastic bin with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent. Soak the bricks for about 20 minutes.

3. Scrub if Needed
   Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub extra-dirty pieces.

4. Rinse Thoroughly
   Transfer to clean water or rinse using a mesh bag in the sink. Be sure to use a drain catcher to avoid losing pieces.

How to Dry Bulk LEGO Bricks

1. Drain the Water
   Carefully pour out the water from your bin, making sure no bricks slip away.

2. Wrap in a Towel
   Place bricks on a large towel, fold the towel edges inward, and shake gently to remove excess water.

3. Air Dry with Fan
   Spread out the bricks and place the towel in front of a fan. Let the fan blow air across the surface to help dry them faster.

4. Rotate Bricks
   Occasionally, turn the bricks over to allow all sides to dry.

Drying Time: Depending on the number of pieces, drying can take anywhere from a few hours to 2–3 days.

How To Dust Displayed LEGO Sets

Use small brushes, like makeup or model-detailing brushes, to clean tight crevices and studs. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. To avoid losing pieces, place a layer of cloth or an old nylon stocking over the vacuum nozzle.

How to Restore Discolored LEGO Bricks

If your bricks are yellowed or discolored:

1. Wear safety glasses and latex gloves.

2. Soak affected pieces in 3% hydrogen peroxide in a clear container.

3. Expose to sunlight for a few hours.

4. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

This can help restore color, especially in white or light grey bricks.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning LEGO bricks is simple and effective with the right tools and steps. The process is easy, but drying takes time depending on how many bricks you’re working with.

Avoid shortcuts like using washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, or hairdryers. Stick to hand washing and air drying, and your LEGO sets will look good as new.