Safely Cleaning your Bricks
If you’ve just scored a bunch of used bricks or you’ve noticed that your own collection needs a bath - maybe your kid got hold of them while eating something sticky - there’s an easy, safe way to get them nice and clean again. And trust me, if you bought used bricks, you SHOULD wash them.
Sure, you can dump them in the tub and run soapy water on them and agitate them around and all that, but why? And then have to deal with trying to get them all out of the tub again without any going down the drain? There’s a better way. First, head to your local discount store and get a mesh laundry bag. You might want one with a large mesh for regular and large pieces and a smaller one for tiny pieces.
Here’s the thing, though…. they aren’t going in the laundry. That much agitation could possibly damage some of the more delicate pieces like windows and rods and they could also get scratched up. No, we’re doing something different. First, put your bricks in the bag(s) and make sure they aren’t small enough to fall through the holes. That’s what the small bag is for.
Now, take your bag(s) and lay them across the top rack of your dishwasher. Yes, your dishwasher. Not your washing machine for laundry.
The little spikes on the rack that hold dishes still will also hold your bag in place.
Only use the top rack. The heating element in a dishwasher is at the bottom and that can be too hot for your bricks.
Also: many dishwashers have a “heat boost” or “high heat” setting. Make sure this is turned off, as well as turning off heated drying.
Used bricks that you bought from someone should always get a normal wash, at least. If you’re re-cleaning your own collection because they’ve gotten a bit dusty or grimy, you can do a quicker wash cycle. Just remember to cancel the high heat settings.
When they’re done, lay out a towel or two and spread your bricks out on it to dry. Your bricks will be nice and clean and sanitized and you didn’t have to work at it!