So, you’ve built your LEGO masterpieces, and now you’re staring at them, thinking, “How do I make these look perfect without them falling apart or gathering dust?” So, we made a guide about how to maintain your LEGO sets, so they stay as sharp as the day you built them.
1. Pick the right display space
First things first: location, location, location. You need to find a spot that keeps your LEGOs safe but also lets you flex your builds. Shelves, glass cabinets, or even floating shelves on the wall.
Natural light might seem tempting, but it can fade the colors of your sets, so keep 'em out of direct sunlight. You also want to avoid places with high humidity.
2. Use display cases
If you're serious about keeping your builds looking perfect all the time, glass display cases are the move. They protect from dust, accidental bumps, and random curious hands.
4. Cleaning your LEGO sets
To keep your collection clean, grab a soft brush (like a paintbrush or makeup brush) and gently sweep away the dust.
For tougher spots, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe down the pieces.
Don’t go full-force with a wet rag. If you feel extra fancy, invest in a can of compressed air to blow off the dust without touching your set.
5. Rebuild if needed
It happens: you move your LEGO sets around, and something just... falls off. If you’re dealing with a piece that’s fallen or been lost, don’t panic.
LEGO has replacement parts available online, or you could rebuild the whole set from your collection (which, let’s be real, is a good excuse for another build sesh).
Just make sure to keep the instructions safe, either in digital form or by storing them in a safe folder.
6. Avoid extreme temperatures
If you're storing your LEGO sets in places like the attic, basement, or garage, make sure the room’s temperature is steady. Extreme heat or cold can make the plastic brittle or warped. No one wants a cracked Millennium Falcon.
7. Keep minifigures in check
Those little guys are easy to lose, and let's be honest, they make the set. Use small containers or display stands to keep track of your minifigures. Some people even use LEGO-compatible boxes for safe, easy storage. Just make sure they don’t get buried under all the other tiny accessories you collect.
9. Handling your sets
Build, but be gentle. Handling your sets with care ensures they stay intact longer. Try not to touch the tops or the most fragile parts of your builds. And when you move them, do so slowly.
10. Take photos
This one’s not a maintenance tip, but trust, you’ll thank us later. Take photos of your sets once they’re fully built and displayed. Not only will it give you an awesome record of your collection, but it’ll also make it way easier to reassemble a set if something goes wrong down the line. Plus, you can brag about it online.
Last but not least, keep up with LEGO’s special editions and limited releases. You’re building a collection that’s part art, part investment, and these rare pieces can only appreciate over time.
Who knows? That limited-edition Star Wars helmet you grab today could be worth a lot more in the future.