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8 tips for preserving LEGO figures long term

Follow all these tips to preserve your LEGO figures over the long term and keep your creation looking as good as new for a long time.

Taking good care of a collection of LEGO figures is important if you want it to stay in good condition for years. Dust, direct sunlight, heat or even cleaning them the wrong way can affect the pieces. That is why there are some simple ways to preserve LEGO figures long term that are worth keeping in mind, especially if the figures are part of a collection.

The importance of properly preserving LEGO figures

LEGO figures can stay in good condition for many years, but it is important to take care of them if they are part of a collection. A figure that is constantly assembled and disassembled is not the same as one that stays on display for years. In the latter case, you need to pay a little more attention to where it is placed and how it is handled.

Sunlight, heat and dust are some of the factors that can affect figures the most over time. For example, leaving them next to a window for a long time can cause the colours to fade. It is also a good idea to keep them away from very warm areas and clean off the dust from time to time, especially on figures with lots of details.

Keeping the collection organised also makes things much easier. If a figure belongs to a set, it is a good idea to keep its pieces and accessories together so you do not lose them. This will make it easier to find everything when you want to build the set again or simply check your collection.

Tips for preserving LEGO figures long term

You do not need to make any major changes to take care of a LEGO collection. A few simple habits can help prevent unnecessary wear and keep the figures in good condition for longer.

1. Keep them out of direct sunlight

One of the first things to consider is where you place the figures. A shelf next to a window might seem like a good place to display them, but if they receive direct sunlight for several hours, the colours can fade over time.

It is best to find a bright space where the figures are not directly exposed to sunlight. If there is no other option, you can also use a display case to help protect the collection.

2. Do not place them near heat sources

Radiators, heaters and other heat sources are not good places to store a LEGO collection. High temperatures can affect the pieces, especially if they are exposed to heat for a long time.

It is better to keep the figures in a room with a stable temperature and away from these elements. You should also avoid storing them in places that can become very hot, such as some storage rooms or enclosed spaces.

3. Protect them from dust

It is difficult to avoid dust completely, especially when the figures are on display. However, you can reduce the amount that builds up on them.

A closed display case is a good option for collections that are on display. If you use an open shelf, it is best to clean the figures from time to time to prevent dust from building up.

Keeping them protected also makes cleaning much easier and means you do not have to handle the figures as often.

4. Clean the figures carefully

You do not need special products to remove dust. A soft cloth or a small brush can be enough to clean the more delicate areas.

It is better to avoid harsh cleaning products and not scrub too hard. You should also be careful with figures that have printed pieces, stickers or small accessories. Clean them gently, especially if they have parts that can easily come loose.

5. Handle them with clean hands

It may seem like a small detail, but having clean hands before handling the figures can help keep them in better condition. Touching them regularly can leave dirt or grease on the pieces.

It is also best not to pick up a build by a small or delicate part. If you need to move it, hold it by a stronger area with several pieces instead. This reduces the chances of a piece coming loose or breaking.

6. Keep the pieces from each set together

If you ever take a set apart, try to keep all its pieces together. Mixing pieces from different builds can make it much harder to find everything when you want to build it again.

You can use bags, boxes or small containers to keep different sets separate. It is also useful to store the instructions with the corresponding pieces.

That way, if you decide to build the set again later, everything will be much easier to find.

7. Use suitable storage boxes

If you do not want to keep all the figures on display, boxes are a practical way to keep your collection organised and protected from dust.

For smaller pieces, you can use boxes with separate compartments. If you have many sets, it can also be useful to label the boxes so you know what is inside each one.

Just make sure you do not place heavy objects on top of the builds or on boxes containing the figures.

8. Keep the original instructions and boxes

If you want to keep your collection for a long time, it is worth keeping the set instructions. Although they may not seem very important at first, they can be useful if you take a build apart and want to put it back together later.

You can also keep the original boxes if you have enough space. They are not necessary for keeping the figures in good condition, but they can be part of the collection and may be interesting if you want to keep your sets as complete as possible.

Get your favourite LEGO set

At Madeofbrick, we know that everyone has different tastes when it comes to LEGO builds. That is why we offer different LEGO MOC options for those who want to build something different and enjoy the process. We want to offer sets that are interesting both for what they represent and for the challenge of putting them together.

In our LEGO MOC online store, you can find different options to add to your collection or start a new project. If you already have a particular build in mind, you can take a look at our sets and choose the one you like most to build and enjoy at home.