If you’re into the practice of using crystals for energy work, you may be wondering how to cleanse crystals. They are often used in spiritual and healing rituals where the energetic properties of crystals are used to heal, manifest, connect the user to higher vibrations, and open up blocked chakras. They are busy! When used for healing, these stones are said to absorb or redirect the negativity you’re working to release so regularly cleansing and recharging your stones is the only way to restore your crystal to its natural state. Cleansing crystals is a crucial step in any practice or ritual. Ensuring that you are working with a clean slate that is receptive to your intentions and energy is necessary for healing and manifestation.
Should I cleanse my new crystals?
Yes! As soon as a crystal comes into your possession it makes perfect sense to cleanse it, charge it, and program it to meet your personal needs. Great crystal healing is all about connection and building a beautiful relationship with your stone. Crystals often travel long distances, from source to seller, before a purchase is made. Each transition exposes the stone to energies that may not be aligned with your own.
How often should I cleanse my stones?
This depends on how often you use your stones and what kind of work they do. For the crystals that are used often, on your person all the time, or that are known for emotional heavy lifting, you should cleanse these more than the stones that stay resting in your room or on a shelf. The more you use a stone, the more it should be cleansed. A good rule is to give your crystals a cleanse and a charge once a month or after each heavy session if you have been doing chakra or reiki work. Like with all things crystal, most of the connection is based on intuition so if you feel like your gem could benefit from a cleanse, go right ahead. You don’t have to wait a designated amount of time between cleansings.
What is the best method for cleansing stones?
Find a method that resonates with you and your practices. What works best for you may not work as well for someone else, so pay attention to what feels right. Always check the durability of the stone before using these techniques. For example, some cannot be left in sunlight, water, or salt. Some crystals, like gypsum, will melt. Others, like hematite, will rust. Amethyst will fade in sunlight and lose its beautiful color. Always check how to care for your crystal before just jumping into a method.
1. Water
Water is said to neutralize any negative energy stored inside the stone and return it back to the earth. Natural running water, like a stream, is best, but you can also rinse your stone under a faucet. Whatever your water source, ensure that your stone is completely submerged for a minute and pat dry when complete. Not all crystals can be placed in water like selenite, calcite, or malachite.
2. Salt
Salt has been used throughout history to absorb unwanted energy and banish negativity. If you’re near the ocean, consider collecting a bowl of fresh saltwater. Otherwise, mix a tablespoon of sea, rock, or table salt into a bowl of water. Make sure that your stone is completely submerged, and allow it to soak for a few hours to a few days’ time then rinse and pat dry when complete. You can also just set the crystal on top of a bowl of salt, without the water. This method is not safe for all crystals as well. Do not use it with porous crystals or ones that do not like water.
3. Rice
This method can also be used to draw out negativity in a safe and contained setting. It’s especially beneficial for protective stones, such as black tourmaline. To do this, fill a bowl with dry brown rice and bury your stone beneath the grains. Dispose of the rice immediately after the cleansing, as the rice is said to have absorbed the energy you’re trying to eradicate. You need to leave the stone in the rice for at least a few hours, but 24 hours is best. This is safe for all crystals.
4. Moonlight
You can set your crystal out at on any night to cleanse and recharge in the moonlight. The full moon will bring energy of release whereas a new moon offers energy of growth. Set your stone out before nightfall and plan to bring it in before 5 a.m. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may weather the stone’s surface, so make sure you return for it in the morning. You don't even have to leave it out all night. You can just do a few hours. If you’re able to, place your stone directly on the earth. This will allow for further cleansing. Wherever they are, ensure they won’t be disturbed by wildlife or passersby. Afterward, give the stone a quick rinse to remove any dirt and debris and pat dry. This method works with any crystal, but if it is raining or you set it in the grass where dew collects, please remember that not all stones are compatible with water. To keep them all safe, you can place them on a window sill inside!
5. Sunlight
Natural light is great for cleansing and charging your crystals. You can set them out at any time to cleanse. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may weather the stone’s surface, so make sure you return for it before the afternoon. Not all crystals can use this method as sunlight can fade and damage them, such as amethyst and fluorite.
6. Smoke
Sage
is a sacred plant with a multitude of healing properties. Smoke Cleansing
your stone is said to clear inharmonious vibrations and restore its natural
energy. You’ll need a fire-safe bowl, a lighter or matches, and loose or bundled garden
sage. If you’re unable to smudge outdoors, make sure you’re near an open
window. This will allow the smoke and negative energy to disperse. When you’re
ready, ignite the tip of the sage with the flame. Transfer the sage to your
non-dominant hand and firmly grasp your stone and move it through the smoke. Allow
the smoke to envelop the stone for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you do not
have garden sage, you can also use other herbs, such as rosemary, or incense
sticks. This method will work for any stone.
7. Cleansing Sprays
Not
all locations allow smoke of any kind, such as apartments or maybe you have
breathing conditions, but you still want the cleansing properties of herbs? This
is a smokeless way to help cleanse or rebalance your own energy, your space, or
your preferred spiritual tools such as crystals or Tarot cards. You can place
the herbs or essential oils in a spray bottle with alcohol and filtered water
and let it sit for over 24 hours. You then can spray it around yourself, your room,
or crystals to cleanse the space of negativity. This should not be done on
fabrics or items that can stain. Remember that not all crystals can get wet.
8. Sound
Sound healing allows a single pitch or tone to wash over an area, bringing it into the same vibration as the tone. This can be accomplished using chanting, clapping, singing bowls, a tuning fork, or even a nice bell. It doesn’t matter what key the sound is, so long as the sound emitted is loud enough for the vibration to fully encompass the stone. This method is ideal for collectors who have a large volume of crystals not easily inventoried or moved.
9. Larger Crystals
Large quartz clusters, amethyst geodes, and selenite slabs can be great tools for clearing smaller stones. Place your stone directly inside or on top of any of these stones. It’s thought that the larger stone’s vibrations remove the inharmonious energies found in the resting stone. My favorite to use is selenite. You can place any stone on top of selenite and just leave it there for at least 7 hours and it is ready to use again! Simple and easy and it is safe for any crystal!
10. Breathwork
Breathwork can also be an effective cleansing method. To get started, hold the stone in your dominant hand. Focus on your intention for a moment and deeply inhale through your nostrils. Bring the stone closer to your face and exhale short, forceful breaths through the nose and onto the stone to bring the stone to its highest vibration. You only need to do about 30 seconds per stone. This is safe for any crystal.
11. Visualization/Meditation/Reiki
Cleansing your stones via visualization and meditation methods can be a great way of strengthening your bond with your crystals. Although this is considered the safest way to clear stones, it can be intimidating for some. The more in tune, you are with your sense of self, the easier it may be to redirect your energy to the stone you want to restore. Take a few minutes to ground and center your energy, then pick up your stone and visualize your hands filling with white, radiant light. See this light surrounding the stone and feel it growing brighter in your hands. Envision the impurities flushing out of the stone, allowing the stone to shine brighter with renewed purpose. Continue this visualization until you feel a shift in the stone’s energy. You only need to do about 1 minute per stone.
12. Earth
The earth is one of our most grounding elements and standing barefoot in soil or grass can immediately cleanse and reinvigorate the spirit. It can do the same for crystals. Burying your stones in the soil is an awesome way of re-grounding them and inviting any bad energy to seep away. Find a safe spot for burying your stone, maybe it’s a place that seems special to you or beneath a favorite tree or even in your own garden. Bury them in the soil (only a few inches deep is necessary). Leave for a minimum of 24 hours or even as long as three days. You can even do this indoors in your potted plants. This does work for most stones, but if it doesn't like moisture, you shouldn't do it.
Program Your Crystals:
After cleansing your crystals, you will need to program them. Although crystals are said to have innate healing properties, taking the time to set an intention for your stone can help you connect with its energy and restore your own sense of purpose. Generally, crystals are neutral and they need direction to properly work for you. If not programmed well, they may amplify the unwanted energies in your life. With effective and clear programming, your crystals can help support your mental and physical health and well-being. To begin with, first, cleanse your crystal using one or more of the methods described above. Once your crystal is cleansed, place the crystal in your hand and take deep breaths. Envision the stone’s energy merging with your own. Speak to the stone — silently or verbally — and ask for assistance in working through your current endeavor. Ask your crystal to let go of all the unwanted negative energy. Command the crystal to hold on to your positive intentions and energies. End the programming process by saying thank you.
End Note:
Whether you are buying a new stone or just looking to maintain an existing one, regular cleansing is important. When we care for our crystals, we’re caring for ourselves. We’re allowing energy that’s inharmonious with our lives and intentions to leave in a peaceful and healing manner. Taking these small measures allows us to be more mindful in our interactions with the stones, with ourselves, and with others.