After years of playing, or after closing a real bargain at a flea market, you may find yourself owning a heap of filthy pieces once called Legos. It is not difficult to clean them, but it may take some time if the collection is large. You can also learn how to reverse the sun-induced discoloration process as you go about the business.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hand Wash Legos
Step 1. Use this method to limit the damage
It takes longer than the others, unless the Legos are lightly soiled. Use this method for your favorite or collectible pieces to protect them from accidental damage.
Step 2. Scrub with a dry cloth or a toothbrush the parts that can be damaged in contact with water
Collect any pieces that have stickers or printed patterns, and any composite parts that don't need to be separated, such as turntables. Clean them with a dry cloth or remove heavy dirt with a new toothbrush.
The electrical parts can instead be cleaned with alcohol wipes
Step 3. Separate all remaining pieces
Detach the water-resistant pieces from each other unless they fit together. Make sure you remove any decomposable parts, such as wheel tires.
If you have a large Lego collection, divide the pieces into containers of 200-300 each
Step 4. Wash the pieces in soapy water
Place the bricks in a container and add warm water and some dish soap or other cleansing soap. Gently stir the pieces in the water with one hand.
- Never use a cleaning product that contains bleach.
- Do not use water at a temperature above 40 ° C.
Step 5. If you want, you can add some vinegar
If the bricks smell bad or if you want to sanitize them, add white vinegar to the water. Use ¼ or ½ in relation to the amount of water.
Step 6. Leave the pieces to soak
Let them soak for about ten minutes, then check them out. If the water is very cloudy, replace it with clean soapy water and let it soak for another hour or even overnight.
Step 7. Scrub the pieces as needed
If there is still caked dirt you may need to remove it with a new toothbrush or toothpick to reach the cavities.
Clear plastic pieces such as windshields can be scratched easily. Instead, rub them with your finger
Step 8. Rinse the pieces
Transfer the bricks to a colander or colander and rinse them with cold water to remove the soap and dirt.
Step 9. Dry the bricks
Alternatively, run the bricks in the salad spinner to remove the water. Then, arrange them in single layers on a tea towel so that the water drains away. To speed up the process, turn on a fan for a few minutes.
Do not use a hair dryer as it could damage them
Method 2 of 3: Use the Washing Machine
Step 1. Follow these instructions at your own risk
Lego customer service is wary of using the washing machine as the parts could be damaged by heat or rolling. Many pieces of Lego have emerged unscathed from the washing machine, but it is not certain that the same will happen to your pieces, and to your washing machine.
Step 2. Detach the pieces
Remove the pieces from each other unless they are stuck together due to dirt. Set aside pieces with stickers, printed ink, moving or electrical parts, or clear plastic. These should be cleaned with a dry cloth, or alcohol wipes, to prevent rolling from damaging them.
Step 3. Place the pieces in a washing machine mesh bag or pillowcase
The bag will keep the bricks from jamming the washing machine and will reduce rolling damage, although it won't prevent a few scratches here and there. If you don't have a laundry bag you can use a pillowcase, but make sure it's closed tightly.
Step 4. Set the washing machine to a gentle, cold wash
Use the gentlest program in your washing machine and cold water only. A temperature above 40 ° C could melt the Legos.
Step 5. Add a mild cleanser
To avoid scratches it is advisable to use a mild washing machine detergent. Read the labels on eco-friendly cleaners if you don't find one labeled mild.
Step 6. Let the pieces air dry
Place the pieces on a cloth so that the water drains off. Keep them in a ventilated room to speed up the process, but away from the heat. It may take a couple of days for the pieces to dry completely.
Method 3 of 3: Return the Color to the Discolored Legos
Step 1. First of all wash the Legos
This method reverses the discoloration process due to sun exposure, but does not remove dirt. Follow one of the methods outlined above for cleaning bricks before committing to this method.
There is no need to dry the bricks before following these instructions
Step 2. Place the bricks in a clear container
Sun exposure is an important part of this method, so use a glass or plastic container. Place it in an area in the sun but keep it out of the reach of children and animals, as it will use material that should not be ingested.
- Since hydrogen peroxide only reacts with ultraviolet rays, you only need to use sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp.
- Do not use this method for parts with adhesives or electrical parts.
Step 3. Cover the bricks with hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide)
Use the classic 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide available at the pharmacy. You will need enough to cover the discolored bricks.
Although hydrogen peroxide is not dangerous in contact with the skin, use protective gloves and goggles to reduce exposure and keep it away from your mouth and hair. Parents have to handle this part for their children
Step 4. Push the large pieces that float to the bottom
Some pieces of Lego could remain suspended in hydrogen peroxide. Use any heavy object to keep the larger pieces on the bottom.
Step 5. Mix the pieces in hydrogen peroxide once an hour
Mixing the pieces with a stick or with your hand (wearing a glove) will remove the bubbles that make them float. Try to do this once an hour for best results. If you let the pieces float for too long it could form over a white spot along the water line.
If no bubble forms within an hour, it means that the hydrogen peroxide has broken down into plain water. Throw the solution down the toilet and try again with a new bottle
Step 6. Rinse and dry the bricks when the color has revived
It usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the heat of the sun and the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide. Once the process is done, transfer the bricks to a colander, rinse them and let them air dry.
Advice
- Clean electrical parts with alcohol wipes.
- Rolling caused by the washing machine can recombine the pieces together. Someone even sold these new unlikely creations.
