The longer you leave your LEGO models or pieces out in your living room or basement, the more unsightly dust they will accumulate. Used LEGO lots purchased from eBay, Craiglist, or garage sales also commonly contain dusty LEGO pieces. Using a dust blower is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to remove dust from your LEGO pieces. It’s also a one-time purchase that you can use for years to come.
So what is a dust blower, anyway?
A dust blower is a simple hand-held device designed to remove loose specs of dust from surfaces. Dust blowers are typically marketed to remove specs from camera lens’, but they can remove loose dust from a variety of surfaces. A dust blower works when a user squeezes the bulb of the duster blower, creating a puff of that air shoots out of the nozzle and blows the dust off the target surface.
Where can I buy a dust blower?
Amazon, eBay and other online retailers offer a variety of dust blowers, typically ranging in price from a few dollars up to $15 or so. Camera stores should also carry them. I recommend Giottos Rocket Air Blasters. Not only are they well made, reliable air blasters, but Giottos’ also look like a small rocket (as their name would suggest!). Cool. Dust blowers come in a variety of sizes, so select the size to fit your needs.
How often should I dust my LEGO projects?
Dusting LEGO projects once a month or so should suffice. A small effort in the short term will save you a larger effort in the long term.
Beyond dust blowers
Large-scale MOCs and caked-on dust may demand a more thorough cleaning. Compressed-air, typically used for cleaning computer keyboards and electronics, creates a more powerful air stream than a dust blower and can save you time cleaning large LEGO projects. Also, brushes (paint brushes, makeup brushes, camera cleaning brushes, etc.) can help you reach tricky nooks and crannies. Dust or dirt that is caked onto your LEGO pieces may ultimately require a good wash with mild soap and water.
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Don’t let your LEGO end up looking like abandoned pieces of your childhood. Keep your LEGO models and pieces looking shiny and new with a dust blower.