A Lego set lasts for years and gets handed down from older children to younger ones. Along the way the bricks pick up dust and sticky sweet residue, and some lock together so tightly that neither fingers nor teeth can part them (and teeth are exactly what children try).
Here is how to separate jammed pieces gently and wash the whole set so it is clean and safe to play with again.
What you will need
- WD-40 Smart Straw for jammed pieces
- microfibre cloth
- bowl or basin
- warm (not hot) water and mild washing-up liquid
- mesh laundry bag or colander
- soft toothbrush
- towel for drying
Important: Lego is a children's toy, so after using WD-40 the pieces must be washed with detergent and dried thoroughly. Spray in a well-ventilated area, away from children. Never wash Lego in hot water or dry it on a radiator: the plastic warps and the bricks will no longer clutch properly.
Step 1
Sort the set
Take apart everything that comes apart by hand and set aside pieces with stickers, electronics (motors, battery boxes, lights) and fabric parts. These must not be soaked; just wipe them with a damp microfibre cloth.
Step 2
Apply WD-40 along the joint
For pieces that are completely stuck, spray a little WD-40 Smart Straw along the joint line with the straw raised. The thin jet lets you treat just the seam without flooding the brick. Wait a minute for it to work into the gap.
Step 3
Wiggle the pieces apart
Gently rock the pieces in different directions without bending them. The lubricated surfaces slide and the bricks gradually release. Do not use a knife or screwdriver, as it is easy to scratch or crack the plastic. Wipe off any excess straight away with the microfibre cloth.
Step 4
Wash the bricks
Put the pieces in a mesh bag or colander and immerse them in warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid. Swish them around, leave for 15-20 minutes, then brush the grooves and the insides of the bricks where dirt collects. Wash the pieces treated with WD-40 especially carefully so no oily film remains.
Step 5
Rinse and dry
Rinse the bricks in clean water, spread them on a towel in a single layer and leave to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Turn hollow pieces open side down so the water drains. Only put the set away once it is completely dry, or it may develop a damp smell.
Tip: A small can of
WD-40 100 ml is handy to keep in the Lego box: it helps with jammed bricks and with sticky wheels on toy cars.
What next
Wash the set every few months, and straight away after a child has been ill or after playing outdoors. Check the pieces regularly for cracks and sharp edges. Around the house, WD-40 Smart Straw is also useful for small jobs such as squeaky cupboard doors, zips and sticking locks.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».