Keeping Those Legos In Tip-Top Shape

If you’ve been collecting Lego for a while, you probably know the pain of finding a dusty, scratched-up piece in the middle of your build. Or worse, discovering that your prized minifigure has a mysterious stain from who-knows-what. And don't even get me started on cracks... those horrible abominations ruining your pristine collection.

Keeping your Lego collection in good shape isn’t just about keeping them looking nice, it is about making sure your investment, and your fun, lasts forever. I don't know about you, but I want my collection to well outlast me. So let's get started on some ways you can make sure everything stays in mint condition.

Clean, Don’t Scrub

First rule of thumb: Lego bricks aren’t fans of harsh cleaning. Skip the bleach and abrasive scrubbers. Keep it simple: warm water with a mild soap and a soft toothbrush usually does the trick. Heck, just throw them in a bowl and let them sit for a couple hours. Just don’t toss them in the dishwasher. Avoid high temperatures at all cost; heat can warp pieces, fade those crisp prints, and even cause some nasty cracks.

To-Do: Visit the official Lego website to see how professionals recommend cleaning your old Legos.

Sunlight: Friend and Foe

We all love a good display shelf, but sunlight is sneaky. Over time, UV rays can yellow white bricks and dull those once-vibrant reds. Because of that, many collectors, myself included, keep our collections in the deep darks of our abodes. And if you’re hell bent on showing off your collection, keep them away from direct sunlight or use a UV-protective case. Your Stormtroopers will thank you.

Don't let your collection become the next yard sale's eye sore...

Storage Smarts

Let’s be real, not all of us have endless glass cabinets. But how you store Lego makes a big difference in how it looks and how well they fare over time. Airtight bins or zip bags help keep dust and moisture away, especially for older or rarer pieces. And if you’re serious about preserving minifigs, individual cases aren’t a bad idea. Try storing your minifigures in a minimally crammed storage and keep lose pieces in bins that reduce friction among pieces.

Below are some of the many ways collectors store their favorite obsessions:

• Stackable drawers or modular storage: Perfect for sorting bricks by color or type (See Akro-Mils storage units above). You can easily grab pieces for a build without spilling the rest of your collection.

• Airtight bins: Great for bulk storage of older bricks, sets you don’t currently display, or pieces that could easily get dusty.

• Individual minifigure cases: Ideal for rare minifigs or ones with delicate printing. They prevent scratches, reduce friction between pieces, and keep stickers or painted details intact. You can find these directly on the Lego website or through various third-party companies.

• Magnetic or acrylic display cases: Best for showing off prized sets or minifigs. These protect from dust, UV light, and curious hands while still letting you admire your collection. Companies like WickedBrick provide awesome custom storage units for your favorite sets!

Don’t Forget the Stickers

Stickered parts are often overlooked, but nothing ages a Lego set faster than peeling decals. Avoid handling them too much, and definitely keep water away. If you’re a hardcore collector, you might even want to buy duplicates of sticker sheets just in case.

Why Bother?

At the end of the day, Legos are toys meant to be played with, but for collectors like us, they’re also treasures. Taking a little extra care keeps your builds looking sharp and your minifigures ready for display (or the resale market). Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the hunt, or the potential payoff, keeping your bricks tip-top is just part of the fun.

Feel free to share how you keep your collection in pristine condition below!