How to Keep LEGO Builds Together Without Permanent Damage: The Parent’s Guide to Smart, Safe Construction

After spending hours building a castle, one accidental bump and – crash. Parents know the heartbreak of an epic LEGO build collapsing and the endless tantrums and fuss that comes with this. Children put all their creativity and pride into every creation, so when it all comes tumbling down, it can feel like the end of the world. Parents desperately try and find solutions to end the tears and make the days more peaceful – but glue isn’t the answer, at least, not traditional glue. 

Why traditional glue is a no-go

Traditional glue might seem like the perfect fix for keeping creations together, but it actually causes more harm than good. LEGO bricks are made from a strong plastic called ABS, giving them their smooth finish. However, most superglues contain harsh solvents that react badly with ABS. These chemicals can melt or warp the plastic, disrupting the shape of the bricks and causing discolouration, meaning they no longer fit perfectly together. Once glued, the pieces cannot be taken apart, which means children lose the excitement and fun of rebuilding their designs and parents lose the amount of time their kids are occupied for before they begin to annoy them again! 

On top of that, using traditional glues creates waste. The toxic chemicals are harmful for the environment and mean that creations are non-recyclable. LEGO has always been about creativity, imagination and reusability – values that align with sustainable play. Using permanent glues does not support this as it makes bricks impossible to reuse or recycle. Solvent-based glues also release harmful chemicals and can contribute to microplastic pollution, - an issue the United Nations Environment Programme warns has long-lasting effects on eco-systems and human health.

That is why Le Glue - the original LEGO Glue was created – a specially engineered, non-permanent adhesive designed just for LEGO bricks. 

Tripp Phillips - Founder of Le Glue invented the product exactly for this reason:

Tripp imagined how cool it would be if somehow the bricks could hold together so he could enjoy his creations. Tripp needed some sort of glue that was strong, but could be pulled apart again and again without ruining the blocks the way permanent glue did.

It holds creations firmly in place but washes off easily when it’s time for a new build – the perfect solution. Le Glue offers a greener option as its water-based, non-toxic formula means builds are fully recyclable and bricks are reusable so you will not have to replace damaged bricks anytime soon. You get the best of both worlds: sturdy structures that allow for little ones to explore their never-ending creations, whilst not negatively impacting the environment. 

Meet the “middle ground”: temporary adhesives

Not all glue is bad, only permanent ones – that's where temporary adhesives, like Le Glue, come in. Unlike regular glues that permanently fuse LEGO bricks together, Le Glue is made with a water-soluble polymer formula. It holds builds together strongly and securely so they can survive being moved and played with. But when it comes to building something new, there is no stress – it can be safely dissolved using warm water, leaving the bricks clean and ready to reuse. 

It is the perfect middle ground for parents and kids who want both durability and flexibility. Whether it’s for competitions, transporting big builds or kids who love displaying their masterpieces, Le Glue keeps everything held firmly in place without taking away the joy of creativity and rebuilding. It is a simple, smart solution that makes everyone happy and is completely safe for the environment. 

Kids Happy House customers love the fact its really strong but easily washed off, Cassandra says:

"So easy to use you can either put it in a tub or use straight from the pouch. Plus it's strong and I love the fact you can wash it off"

STEM education at home: teaching structure & engineering

The struggles to keep LEGO builds together can be used as a learning opportunity to teach kids problem-solving skills and build resilience. Ideas that align with LEGO’s Build the change approach to sustainability and eduction. Parents can help children understand why some builds stay up and others fall to encourage a learning in STEM. Simple concepts like having a wider base, keeping things symmetrical and balancing weight evenly can make a huge difference in helping your creations stand up. It is also a fun way to introduce kids to ideas like gravity and stability in a hands-on, fun environment. 

By encouraging kids to test different designs and figure out what works best, it turns a fun activity into something which can help them grow and build resilience. Motivating them to keep trying various builds also reduces time spent on screens and gives them something productive to do when they have friends over. These moments turn frustration into curiosity and teach that mistakes are just part of the process – something they are likely to experience in many other aspects of life. 

Kid-safe testing: what makes an adhesive “non-toxic”

When it comes to kids’ products, safety must come first. Le Glue is non-toxic, but what does this really mean in terms of safety? A truly non-toxic adhesive is water-based, meaning it does not rely on harsh chemicals or fumes. It's also solvent-free (see how solvent and water-based adhesives differ), so there are no harmful ingredients that could damage skin, bricks or the environment. Most importantly, it is lab-tested to confirm that every batch meets strict UK and EU safety standards. In the UK and EU, products like Le Glue must comply with regulations such as UKCA certification, which ensure materials are free from harmful chemicals, solvents and toxic substances. 

Le Glue is certified safe for kids as it is solvent-free, made with a water-based polymer blend, and has zero known hazardous chemical ingredients per EPA, CPSC and OSHA so there are no harsh fumes or chemicals to worry about. 

Creative uses: building displays & competitions

Le Glue isn’t just for keeping builds safe from accidents, it’s also perfect for taking LEGO creations to the next level. Whether it’s a school display, LEGO club project or competition, it helps hold all the blocks in place so kids can proudly show off their hard work and make complex builds that they may have not been able to make without using Le Glue to hold the builds together. It gives kids the confidence to transport their special creations with ease. 

To use Le Glue, start off with clean, dry bricks and using a brush, apply a small amount between pieces. Push the bricks together, wiping away any excess and leave it to set. When it’s time to take it apart, just soak the build in warm water, and the adhesive will dissolve with no mess or damage. Le Glue is strong enough to protect a masterpiece, but easily removable so builds can be created again and again.

Quick-fix alternatives

Not all LEGO builds need glue; there are plenty of quick-fix alternatives that do not require the use of glue. For example, using rubber bands for extra grip, adding structural supports to make the build more stable or using base plates to act as a sturdy base can make a huge difference. Display cases can be useful to show off a LEGO build and protect it from being knocked over once built. Remember, adhesives like Le Glue are just an option – creativity, problem-solving and imagination are the most important when building. 

Conclusion: building memories that last

Ultimately, it is not just about keeping LEGO bricks together – it's about nurturing creativity and building everlasting memories with your little one. Every build represents an achievement, teamwork and imagination. It is important these moments last without taking away the opportunity to create a new build the next day. That is why it is essential to find the right balance between permanence and flexibility. Le Glue offers this fine balance – it is strong enough to keep a build together but gentle enough to let kids’ imagination keep growing. Explore Le Glue – the child-safe, temporary adhesive that keeps builds together and creativity flowing.