LEGO bricks are an investment that can bring joy for many years, if stored and cared for properly. With a few simple rules, you can maintain their color, quality and functionality, so that they will serve not only you, but also future generations. Here are some practical tips on how to store and care for LEGO bricks so that they are in perfect condition for many years.
1. Proper Storage – Key to Durability
Proper storage of LEGO bricks is essential to protect them from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. It is worth investing in storage systems that will allow for convenient organization and easy finding of individual elements.
- Containers with Clear Lids : Storing blocks in clear containers makes it easier to find the pieces you need and also protects them from dust. Containers should be airtight to prevent moisture from building up.
- Sort by Color or Type : This makes it easier to organize and find the right pieces faster. You can store blocks by color, type (e.g. tiles, building blocks, technical elements) or sets.
- Avoid Sunlight : Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause LEGO bricks to fade. Store them in a dark or shaded place to prevent damage.
2. Cleaning LEGO Bricks
Regular cleaning of the pads helps to maintain their fresh appearance and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt that can damage the surface or cause the pads to become dull.
- Hand Wash in Lukewarm Water : The safest way to clean LEGO bricks is to hand wash them in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Bricks can be washed in a bowl and then rinsed in clean water.
- Using a Brush : For harder-to-reach areas, it’s a good idea to use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently remove dirt from the nooks and crannies.
- Air Drying : After washing, the blocks should be thoroughly air dried, preferably spread out on a towel. Avoid drying in the sun or near a heat source that can deform the plastic.
3. How to Deal with Dust and Pollution in the Long Term
For large collections that are displayed, regular vacuuming may be necessary to prevent dust and dirt from building up.
- Using Compressed Air : Compressed air is an effective way to remove dust from nooks and crannies. You can gently clean the blocks of dust without having to disassemble the entire structure.
- Gentle Vacuuming with a Handheld Vacuum Cleaner : Using a vacuum cleaner with a soft tip allows you to safely remove dust. However, it is worth using a shield (e.g. gauze) on the tip to avoid accidental suction of blocks.
4. Avoiding Extreme Temperatures
LEGO bricks are made of durable plastic, but they can be susceptible to deformation in extreme temperatures. Extreme cold and heat can weaken the structure of the plastic and cause the bricks to become brittle.
- Constant Temperature Storage : The optimum storage temperature is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid storing blocks in an attic, basement or garage where extreme temperatures can occur.
- Avoid Direct Heat : LEGO sets should not be stored near radiators or other heat sources that may cause them to warp.
5. Care of Movable and Delicate Elements
Some LEGO sets, especially Technic sets, contain moving parts such as gears, axles and hinges. Taking care of these delicate parts is essential to avoid mechanical wear.
- Care with Moving Parts : Moving parts should be assembled and disassembled with appropriate gentleness. Too frequent use can lead to their wear, so it is worth limiting the number of times you disassemble and assemble models to extend the life of the parts.
- Lubrication – Only in exceptional cases : LEGO does not recommend using grease, but if you are having trouble with sticking moving parts in your Technic sets, you may want to consider a small amount of special silicone grease designed for plastics. However, lubrication should be kept to a minimum.
6. Take care of the instructions and packaging
For collectors, it is important to take care not only of the bricks themselves, but also of the instructions and original packaging, which can increase the value of the set on the secondary market.
- Storing Manuals in Sleeves or Binders : Manuals can get damaged easily, so it's a good idea to store them in clear sleeves or binders to avoid them getting bent and damaged.
- Preserving Original Packaging : Keeping boxes helps keep sets in collectible condition, which can increase their value in the future.
7. Avoiding Prolonged Pressure on the Pads
LEGO bricks can lose their shape if they are left in tight structures for a long time. Pressure over a long period of time can lead to deformation of the plastic elements.
- Reduce Structural Load : LEGO models that require a large number of bricks can cause excessive load on the lower elements. It is worth periodically disassembling larger structures to relieve individual elements.
Summary
Taking care of LEGO bricks and storing them properly will help you enjoy them for many years and maintain their value. Regular cleaning, avoiding extreme temperatures and storing them properly are the basic rules that will help keep your bricks in perfect condition. For collectors, taking care of the original packaging and instructions will also be important. With these simple rules, your LEGO collection can become a lasting investment that will be enjoyed not only by you, but also by future generations.
