Timeline for LEGO cleaning techniques and tools
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
9 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2023 at 10:19 | history | edited | Zhaph - Ben Duguid♦ | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Updated link to LEGO support site.
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| Nov 17, 2023 at 10:15 | comment | added | Zhaph - Ben Duguid♦ | Continuing: The issues are around: Heat regulation (most dishwashers don't have a below 40°C setting, or get too hot during the drying phase which can't be skipped), bashing together (did you remember to turn the spin cycle down/off), depending on what you're washing (just bricks and plates, or the tiny accessories) is the seal on the bag secure enough to stop parts falling out and getting lost in the machines. Due to ABS's low heat tolerance and TLGs strict quality control limits, it's clearly easier for them to say "just wash by hand". | |
| Nov 17, 2023 at 10:06 | comment | added | Zhaph - Ben Duguid♦ | @MarkTeese I think it's easier for TLG to just write "We don't recommend it" than get into the details of how you might go about it. It's clear that if you take suitable precautions it should be fine - but putting all the caveats in place just make it harder for them to back up any legal challenge if something goes wrong. Similar to why many clothes these days might say "Don't tumble dry" when they are the same as others that allow it - more likely a cost saving around either returns from shrinkage or not having to test. | |
| Nov 14, 2023 at 20:21 | comment | added | Mark Teese | Where is the data showing the decrease in LEGO quality after machine cleaning? After an extremely successful experiment using a washing machine (strong pillowcase, 40°C, 600 rpm, liquid detergent), I support the comment of @RazvanZoitanu. I challenge LEGO to publish a scientific article showing why these conditions are inappropriate. Or is the "hand-clean" recommendation just a way to discourage LEGO resale/reuse, and encourage fresh sales? | |
| Oct 14, 2021 at 15:58 | comment | added | Razvan Zoitanu | After maybe 50 loads in the washing machine (over 200k elements), I have to say it's a good risk-free option, and not worth the bother of manual wash. Just make sure to: don't go over 1/2 the max load, wash at max. 30°C (warmer will damage older bricks, mostly blue and red in my case, most likely produced in the 70s), use at least 2 mesh bags (the cheap 1$ ones are ok, S/M size - don't overfill or use bigger bags as the zipper will fail under the weight), don't go over 800 rpm with the final dry cycle, and for less noise just throw in there some towels or old t-shirts. | |
| Dec 15, 2017 at 19:05 | history | edited | jncraton♦ | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
added link to dishwasher question
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| Oct 26, 2011 at 8:36 | history | edited | Zhaph - Ben Duguid♦ | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Hacked a direct link to the KB answer...
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| Oct 26, 2011 at 4:35 | history | post merged (destination) | |||
| Oct 25, 2011 at 21:20 | history | answered | Zhaph - Ben Duguid♦ | CC BY-SA 3.0 |