Can Lego Pieces Go in the Dishwasher 2025

When it comes to keeping our beloved LEGO pieces clean, questions often arise about the safest and most effective cleaning methods. One common query is: can LEGO pieces go in the dishwasher? As someone who's spent extensive time researching and caring for LEGO bricks of all ages and types, I’m here to deliver an expert, evidence-backed perspective on this topic. Whether you're a parent tackling sticky, germ-ridden bricks your kids play with every day or a serious LEGO collector wanting to keep your sets pristine, understanding how to properly clean these plastic building blocks is essential to their longevity and playability.

LEGO bricks are made of a durable plastic called ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which is very tough but still sensitive to extreme heat. This means that exposing them to high temperatures—such as those in a dishwasher’s hot water cycles—can cause warping or deformation of the bricks. Warped pieces no longer connect snugly, compromising the very foundation of what makes LEGO so enjoyable. Additionally, the dishwasher’s strong water jets and detergent can sometimes damage the surface of the bricks or wash off stickers and printed designs.

While some parents report success cleaning LEGO in dishwashers using specialized methods, such as placing bricks in a mesh bag on the top rack with a low-temperature cycle, LEGO’s official stance is to avoid dishwasher or washing machine cleaning altogether.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning LEGO bricks safely, including:

• The risks of dishwashing LEGO and official cleaning recommendations
• How to hand wash LEGO bricks effectively
• Alternative tips and hacks for quick, safe LEGO cleaning
• Special considerations for electronic or stickered LEGO parts
• By the end, you’ll be equipped to make the best choices for your LEGO collection’s cleanliness and longevity.

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Why You Should Think Twice Before Putting LEGO in the Dishwasher

The Material Sensitivity of LEGO Bricks

LEGO bricks are primarily made of ABS plastic, which is celebrated for its strength and durability. However, ABS can be sensitive to heat and harsh detergents. Dishwashers typically use water temperatures ranging from 120°F (49°C) to 160°F (71°C) during washing and drying cycles. Exposure to these temperatures risks the bricks warping, losing their shape and snap-fit integrity.

LEGO’s customer service explicitly advises against placing LEGO in dishwashers or washing machines. They caution that the heat can deform bricks and strongly discourage drying bricks in ovens, microwaves, or direct sunlight for the same reasons. The warning also extends to electronic LEGO components and pieces containing stickers, which can be damaged or peeled off during dishwasher washing.

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Risks of Mechanical Damage and Piece Loss

Dishwashers use powerful jets of water to clean. This force can cause small LEGO pieces to collide and chip or scratch. There is also the risk that tiny pieces could escape from dishwasher baskets or mesh bags and block the machine’s filter, causing damage. Unlike hand cleaning in a sink or tub, the chaotic movement inside a dishwasher isn’t gentle on delicate components.

What Users Have Experienced

Despite LEGO’s warning, some users report placing LEGO safely in the dishwasher under careful conditions. The key is using a mesh laundry bag or garment bag to secure the bricks together, placing them only on the top rack, and choosing a gentle, low-temperature wash cycle (around 30-40°C or 86-104°F). Many emphasize avoiding the drying cycle and air drying pieces after washing.

Nonetheless, these methods carry risks. Some parents report losing stickers or experiencing minor warping after repeated washes. The advice is that while occasional gentle dishwasher washing may work for many plastic bricks, it’s safest to avoid it for valuable, rare, or electronic LEGO parts.

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How to Safely Clean LEGO Bricks by Hand: The Recommended Approach

The best way to clean LEGO bricks remains hand washing—they get the necessary care without exposure to extreme heat or mechanical stress.

Step-by-Step Hand Washing Method

• Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill a sink or large plastic container with warm water. The water temperature should never exceed 104°F (40°C) to avoid heat damage. Add a few drops of mild dish soap if desired.
• Soak the Bricks: Place the LEGO bricks in the water and allow them to soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt and grime.
• Gently Scrub: Use a soft nylon brush, toothbrush, or cloth to gently scrub stubborn spots. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals, which could scratch or discolor the bricks.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the bricks well with clean water to remove soap residue.
• Air Dry: Spread the bricks on a clean towel or mesh drying rack. Shake them occasionally to help water drain. Avoid heat sources like hair dryers or direct sunlight to prevent warping.

This method is safe for all LEGO pieces, including those with stickers and electronic components (though electronics should only be wiped carefully with a damp cloth and never soaked).

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Quick and Easy LEGO Cleaning Hacks: Convenience Meets Safety

For those short on time or who want a faster cleaning method without risking brick damage, here are two safe alternatives:

1. DIY Mesh Bag Dishwasher Method (Use With Caution)

Place LEGO bricks in a securely closed mesh laundry bag. Use the dishwasher’s top rack for gentle exposure and choose the lowest temperature and shortest cycle possible without drying. Remove immediately after the wash and air dry. Avoid washing stickers or electronic pieces this way.

2. Salad Spinner Drying Trick

After hand washing, some parents use a salad spinner to remove excess water quickly from their LEGO bricks. This avoids heat drying but expedites drying time while eliminating trapped water inside pieces.

3. Disinfecting Wipes for Quick Surface Cleaning

For lightly soiled bricks or minifigures, disinfecting wipes or a cloth dampened with a water-detergent solution can be used to clean surfaces quickly without full washing.

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Special Considerations: Electronic, Stickered, and Vintage LEGO Pieces

• Electronic LEGO Components: Avoid water immersion. Clean only with a slightly damp cloth to protect internal circuits.
• Stickered Bricks: Washing can cause stickers to peel or fade. Spot cleaning recommended.
• Vintage LEGO: Older bricks may be more prone to damage. Hand washing at low temperatures is safest to preserve both structure and print.

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Interesting LEGO Innovations in Cleaning

LEGO has even collaborated with appliance manufacturers like Bosch to develop a dishwasher explicitly designed to clean plastic toys, including LEGOs. This appliance features a specialized 40°C wash program and a dedicated removable storage basket for bricks, ensuring gentle yet effective cleaning not possible in standard dishwashers. While not widely available, it represents the future of safe LEGO cleaning technology.

Keeping LEGO bricks clean is vital for play hygiene and maintaining the snap-fit quality that makes building so satisfying. While the idea of tossing LEGO into the dishwasher is tempting for convenience, it involves risks of heat damage and warping that can impair your bricks' function and longevity.

The safest, expert-recommended practice is gentle hand washing using mild soap and warm water at temperatures below 104°F (40°C), followed by air drying. For occasional quick cleaning, mesh bag dishwasher washing on low temp is a possible alternative but not without risk, particularly for special or electronic parts.