Often when I have LEGOs out (on display etc.) they get dusty, how do you dust between all the studs? It's really tedious to use a tissue to get between each stud, are there any better ways? Any suggestions would be welcome! Have a nice day fellow humans!

Paintbrush.

I just use a toothbrush.

I have used a soft bristle toothbrush. I don't know if a paintbrush would be softer, but that might be something to look into for me in the future. Everyone raves about compressed air, but it doesn't seem to get that much off, just the big loose stuff.

Hmm I'll have to try the tooth brush and the paint brush, the paint brush sounds like a good Idea.

I'd worry that a tooth brush, no matter the softness, scratches the bricks.

I'd worry that a tooth brush, no matter the softness, scratches the bricks.

Yeah I'm more leaning toward the tooth brush. paint brushes.

Edited September 20, 20159 yr by The Steward

You can get extra soft toothbrushes... unless you ground it into the LEGO, it will not scratch. So I use compressed air, if that doesn't get it, I use an extra soft toothbrush.

You can get extra soft toothbrushes... unless you ground it into the LEGO, it will not scratch. So I use compressed air, if that doesn't get it, I use an extra soft toothbrush.

Do compressed air cans run out fast?

Yes, very soft paint brush is the way to go. Toothbrush can scratch. The other thing that works great is a set of (unused!) makeup brushes. You can get a set of 5-10 different types/shapes/sizes (which can be really helpful getting into nooks and crannies) on Amazon in the $10 range. This is overkill, but here's a good example (that fan-type brush is very useful).

I know some folks in the past have used very soft brush wheels with a Dremel tool to quickly clean stuff, but as much as I like using a Dremel, that worries me a bit as it'd have to be a *very* soft brush to avoid scratching the bricks even at the lowest speed.

Also, there are brushes made specifically for dusting models that also help with things like dissipating static electricity so less dust gets pulled back on to the model after you finish dusting like this one, but you could of course also just get any other very soft antistatic brush and it'd probably work fine in that regard.

Edited September 19, 20159 yr by deraven

I'm not happy with the compressed air cans - they do run out, they're not exactly free. I've been toying with getting a compressor, but they're expensive. I buy cans of compressed air at a warehouse club in six packs. You can't use them very long - the cans start getting cold, the air pressure drops - no, I don't intentionally shake the cans, but I tend to wave the can back and forth as I'm dusting.

But... while I've done a lot to clean off the smaller things off my shelves (like putting away the minifigures that come with the modulars), they really do come in handy on my occasional cleanings.

Does anybody have experience using a cleanroom to display their models?

Does anybody have experience using a cleanroom to display their models?

Dust always collects no matter how clean the room, it comes off of everything, books, lamps, the ceiling, wood, cloth, everything except glass. So unless you live in a glass house there will be dust. So things let off more than others but there will always dust

Dust always collects no matter how clean the room, it comes off of everything, books, lamps, the ceiling, wood, cloth, everything except glass. So unless you live in a glass house there will be dust. So things let off more than others but there will always dust

It was a joke ;-)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleanroom

Does anybody have experience using a cleanroom to display their models?

If you can afford a cleanroom for Lego display, just have your housekeeping staff deal with the dust and don't worry about it!

But I know what you mean- there are custom-build, sealed acrylic display cases made in appropriate Lego-friendly dimensions, though they can add up in expense pretty quickly. Another good option is Ikea glass cabinets (Detolf is a very popular one) for which there are numerous guides online about how to easily dust-proof them for long-term display. I'd probably lean in one of those directions myself.

It was a joke ;-)

https://en.wikipedia.../wiki/Cleanroom

Okay.

I'm definitely looking to get a case one day. I try not to have loose or small lego objects on display, such as minifigs, so that helps, but usually I go the paintbrush route. Definitely should get a softer one as this one really isn't cutting it anymore. That said I only do have a small display cabinet of two (technically 3) shelves that are only about two feet long and 8 inches wide.

Jangbricks has a whole video dedicated to dust cleaning. He has a huge layout so vacuuming is the best for him. But for normal people like us, paintbrush is the way to go.

How often does everyone do it? For me I try to do have a jab at it at least once a week just to keep it fresh. Other times I get lazy and pretend I don't see the dust and just admire the display from a few feet away. Not really too proud of that.

A large make-up blush brush works well to get dust out between studs. Get your own, don't use your girlfriend's, ...to avoid complications.

How often does everyone do it? For me I try to do have a jab at it at least once a week just to keep it fresh. Other times I get lazy and pretend I don't see the dust and just admire the display from a few feet away. Not really too proud of that.

Well to this point and the cleanroom joke, factors in your house really do make a big difference. In particular I think floor coverings (and their age / condition), type of heating system, and presence of a pet all make a big difference. From my previous house to my current place I saw a big drop in dust, probably at least 5x less. I think the new carpet is a big factor as I've read that traps dust and keeps it out of the air. The vacuum cleaner you use and how often you use it is probably another important one.

More to the original question, I have a brush, a duster, canned air, or just a cloth. All depends on the specifics of what you're cleaning.

I've been toying with getting a compressor, but they're expensive.

They're also loud, and most importantly they release oil into the air that they pressurize (unless you have an even more expensive one that is rated to produce breathable air). I don't want that on my LEGO.

I vaguely remember reading about someone using a laundry bag over a vacuum cleaner to clean dust off their bricks. I personally use a toothbrush.

edit: found it-

Edited September 20, 20159 yr by BrickCurve

How often does everyone do it? For me I try to do have a jab at it at least once a week just to keep it fresh. Other times I get lazy and pretend I don't see the dust and just admire the display from a few feet away. Not really too proud of that.

Well, I've got a couple displays like this..

Time only adds to the authenticity. It's lunar dust, see?

Well, I've got a couple displays like this..

Time only adds to the authenticity. It's lunar dust, see?

At least dust the space man. If he is dead, then he can be dusty.

For me I try to do have a jab at it at least once a week just to keep it fresh.

Once a week? Who are you? Cinderella?

I have a rule: When I can't tell which set I'm looking at, I know it's cleaning time

Edited September 20, 20159 yr by Robert8

Paint brushes leave scratches on my Lego. It is painstaking but I use an emery cloth (for glasses) and go stud by stud. It is quite effective and doesn't leave marks on my plates or bricks. Cleaned all my old Lego sets that way. My new stuff I tend to cover with a pillow case to prevent dust build up while on display. Eventually they get broken down and 'bagged and tagged' till I build them again.