Do Legos Need To Be Disassembled To Be Cleaned In An Ultrasonic Cleaner?

It is generally recommended to disassemble an assembled LEGO set before cleaning it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Here’s why:

 

1. Effective Cleaning

 

Ultrasonic cleaners work best when their cavitation process can reach all surfaces. An assembled LEGO set has many small crevices and overlapping pieces that might block the cleaning solution, preventing proper cleaning. Disassembling ensures that every brick gets thoroughly cleaned.

 

2. Preventing Damage

 

The vibrations in an ultrasonic cleaner can cause stress on the connections between LEGO bricks. This might loosen or weaken the pieces over time. Additionally, if the assembly has delicate or intricate parts, these could come apart during the cleaning process.

 

3. Avoiding Residue Build-Up

 

Dirt, grime, or cleaning solution residue can get trapped between tightly connected bricks. Disassembling helps avoid this problem, leaving each piece clean and residue-free.

 

How to Safely Clean LEGO Bricks in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

1. Disassemble the set completely.
2. Use a mild cleaning solution (e.g., water with a small amount of low pH solution).
3. Set the timer to a short cycle (3–5 minutes is usually sufficient).
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to remove any remaining solution.
5. Air-dry the bricks completely before reassembling.

 

By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your LEGO pieces are cleaned effectively without damage.