Crystals are a fascinating phenomenon that has been given to us to use in our daily lives.
They are there to support us and show us ways in which we can open ourselves up to the universe and higher powers that be.
Below, I am going to show you how to cleanse crystals the right way.
You can only collaborate with the energy given off by crystals when you work with them mindfully and with gratitude.
You initiate a harmonic dance through your energy that the crystal is able to form and shape through its stable pattern of energy.
This renewed energy is fed back to you by the crystal, which you accept, experience, and project back into the crystal as evolved energy.
The energetic benefits of a crystal can only be experienced by engaging with it continuously. You can do this by cleansing your crystals once you have used them.
Let’s take a look at thirteen common ways in which you can cleanse your crystals.
How To Cleanse Crystals: The 13 Methods
Our next step will be to show you how to properly cleanse your crystals of any accumulated energies that might not be serving you or them.
Your unique lifestyle, and the amount of time you tend to devote to crystal healing in general, will influence how you cleanse crystals.
It can feel a bit overwhelming to choose between so many options, especially if you choose to clean each stone after each use.
It is excellent, but it is not necessary.
Making a more reasonable crystal cleansing schedule that doesn't consume all of your free time is possible.
Simply choose the option that rings most true to you from the options below on how to cleanse crystals.
Moon Light
Most stone enthusiasts will instantly tell you to take advantage of the full moon when you ask how to cleanse crystals.
Every month, all those fortunate enough to live on this planet experience a powerful release of energy when the full moon rolls around.
The full moon energy is undeniably universal, so much so that many indigenous cultures plan their sacred rituals around it.
It is one of the most powerful, yet also most delicate, methods of crystal cleansing and recharging to use crystal moonlight as a cleansing tool.
You can cleanse crystals in the moonlight pretty quickly; consider this your complete moon ritual for crystal cleansing:
- Before sundown on the night of the full moon, place your stones somewhere outside.
- If the ground seems too shady, you can even place them up in a tree so the moonlight will shine directly on them at some point.
- Bring them in at around 11 am the following morning after leaving them overnight.
- In the morning, the few hours of daylight will combine beautifully with the energy of the moon, now embedded deep within the stones.
Eclipses
Eclipses are powerful energetic forces that can feel like turning a page in a new book.
It could be the perfect opportunity for you to cleanse crystals with new energy, whether it's a solar eclipse or a lunar eclipse.
During this natural phenomenon, dramatic shifts can occur.
In contrast, the solar eclipse speaks of external changes and a fierce change to the makeup of your life. Lunar eclipses are closely connected to internal shifts.
Stuck in stagnant energy, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to get things moving again.
Make sure you know when the next solar or lunar eclipse is coming so you can place your gems on a windowsill, balcony, or safe outdoor area where they can soak up all that luminous light.
If you want to use the solar eclipse charge, ensure that your gems are okay with sunlight.
Leaving gems in direct sunlight can cause them to fade, and even the warm sun-colored stones shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
The gem Clear Quartz is a good choice for both cleansing and charging practices.
Sun Light
The next method to cleanse crystals is sunlight.
The moon is ripe with feminine energy, while the golden sun brings a more masculine spirit that brings vitality, energy, and life-giving potency.
People who have ever turned their faces to the sun to wash away the winter blues know that the sun is a powerful force.
Set your stone out on a sunny day or under a clear sky so that it can warm in the sunlight.
When you hold a sun-kissed stone in your hand, there is a rewarding feeling that can hit the depth of your soul.
Sunlight sparkle is a great way to cleanse crystals, but not all stones are sun creatures or summer creatures.
Leaving some crystals in the sun for too long will fade their vibrancy, so they should not be left there for too long.
In sunlight, darker stones such as Hematite and red and orange stones such as Carnelian perform best.
Stones such as Ametrine, Aquamarine, Amethyst, and others, may get damaged if left in the sun. Sunlight is not an ideal cleansing method for these delicate crystals.
❤️ Further Reading: How To Cleanse Crystals In The Sun (A Simple Guide)
Water
You can also use water to cleanse crystals the right way at home.
You'll need to create a formula that contains salt in order to achieve this. Keep in mind which crystals cannot be cleansed in saltwater as well.
Crystals can break down in the water, which is alarming considering they are technically solid rock.
The hydrogen atoms in water break apart the positive and negative ions in ionic stones, causing the rock to dissolve and disappear.
Water is not suitable for cleansing or recharging stones such as Selenite, Halite, Fluorite, Turquoise, and so on.
❤️ See Also: How To Cleanse Crystals With Water – Step By Step Guide
Sage
The healing properties of Sage make it a very powerful plant.
In addition to clearing inharmonious vibrations, smudging your stone is said to restore its natural energy. It is the next best way for you to cleanse your crystal.
For those who can't smudge outdoors, open a window so you can do so. This will disperse the smoke and negative energy.
Light the sage tip with the flame when you're ready. Move the stone through the smoke with your non-dominant hand while holding the sage.
For about 30 seconds, let the smoke envelope the stone. If it's been a while since you last cleansed the stone – or you feel that it's holding on to a lot – consider smudging for 30 seconds longer.
❤️ Further Reading: How To Cleanse Crystals With Sage? Step By Step Guide
Selenite
Crystals can easily be cleansed with Selenite. A Selenite cleansing plate is perfect for the job.
As a general rule, the more contact a crystal has with Selenite, the faster and more thoroughly it will be cleansed.
Therefore, it's a good idea to avoid using anything small or spherical since it's hard to get a good surface-to-surface touch.
On the other hand, a Selenite cleansing plate is a flat platform on which you can place other crystals.
Let the crystals sit on the plate for 24 hours for maximum purification.
The smaller tumbled stones will require less time, but it is better to be on the safe side. Selenite of an equal or greater size should be used if you are charging a large crystal.
Incense
Smudging crystals with incense is similar to cleansing crystals with incense.
Crystals can be cleaned at home using incense, which can be one of the most convenient methods for all lifestyles.
There is often incense lying around the house, and it can be a lifesaver when we are not in close proximity to saltwater or are still a while away from the full moon.
For the purpose of cleansing and recharging quickly, any type of incense will suffice. Burn your chosen incense as you would, preferably in a holder, and place each stone in the smoke that is released.
Smoke should be generously applied to all sides of the crystals; aim for at least one minute per stone.
When you use a box-style incense burner, where the incense burns inside a compartment with small holes for the smoke to escape, you can place your smaller stones inside, allowing them to be engulfed in smoke.
❤️ Further Reading: How To Cleanse Crystals With Incense – Full Step By Step Guide
Singing Bowl/Sound
Using sound to cleanse crystals is a less common form of stone cleansing, as most people are worried about getting it wrong.
However, this form of crystal cleansing is safe and effective for all crystals.
It is recommended for anyone who has an extensive collection of crystals that would take a long time to clean individually.
Any resonating vibration that holds an angelic tone for more than a few seconds can be used to cleanse your crystals with sound.
You can also chant with your voice while you are using your singing bowl or other sound vibration tools.
At least ten minutes should of sound vibration should be allowed to pass over the crystals.
❤️ Further Reading: How To Use A Singing Bowl For Crystal Cleansing (Full Guide)
Himalayan Salt
It is believed that Himalayan salt can dissolve negative energy. When used to clean crystals, salt from the Himalayan mountains works great as an easy method of cleaning your crystals.
Pour authentic Himalayan salt into a bowl or vase about three-quarters of the way complete. Then place your crystals on the surface of the salt and set the bowl aside.
Within just over 24 hours, they'll be fully cleansed and recharged.
As your crystals can actually be placed into the salt every time they are not needed, a Himalayan salt bed is an excellent device to keep in your home at all times.
By leaving your crystals there, they will always be in a state of recharging and cleansing, always available when needed.
❤️ Further Reading: How To Cleanse Crystals With Himalayan Salt? A Simple Guide
Palo Santo
The next method in our how-to cleanse crystals article is Palo Santo.
Palo santo, also known as Bursera graveolens, is a tree that's native to Peru, Ecuador, and other countries in South America.
Palo santo is a type of resin that grows in hot, dry climates. Its name means holy wood in Spanish.
It has been used for many years for medicinal purposes in the form of wood, resin, and oil. Pain and stress are the two primary purposes of its use.
Additionally, it is said to clear negative energy.
Palo Santo when burned, releases an aromatic smoke into the air.
Your crystals will be placed in the smoke from the wood, which will help clear the negative energies inside them.
❤️ See Also: How To Cleanse Crystals With Palo Santo – A Simple Guide
Smudging
The art of smudging is another easy and fun way to cleanse and charge your crystals.
The smudging process involves burning sacred herbs over crystals so that the smoke filters over them and cleanses the energy.
Traditionally, smudging is used to clear spaces of negative energy, so it stands to reason that it would be effective with crystals as well.
As mentioned previously Sage can be used to cleanse crystals. Known for its powerful cleansing properties over spaces, people, and objects, Sage is a superior plant within the spiritual realm.
The best sage to use is loosely bundled sage, but if you're in a bind, a sage incense stick will do.
Sage isn't the only herb to use though. Here is a list of different herbs you can make smudging sticks with.
Smudging involves potent aromas. This means that you should always smudge your crystals in a well-ventilated space.
To learn more about smudging, check out this guide.
Reiki
If you want to know how to cleanse your crystals the right way through intention and powerful treatment, Reiki is one of the best options for you.
Your crystals will be cleansed and energized by Reiki.
Hold a crystal in your hand and send Reiki to it if you are Reiki Level 1. Reiki Level 2 practitioners can also use the mental/emotional symbol on their crystals.
Ask the Universe, or your Angels, to cleanse your crystals of all negative energy and re-energize them for maximum effectiveness.
Whenever you do this, thank the Universe and/or your Angels for giving you the ability and clarity to cleanse your crystals.
Earth
The energy of a stone can become so heavy that it has to be returned to Mother Earth for healing and rejuvenation.
Bury a stone directly in the ground or bury it in a box so that it can be retrieved later. The length of time the crystal needs to be buried is determined by how heavy its energy has become.
Depending on how much it needs to be cleansed, it may need to be buried for a day, week, or even a month.
For instance, you might find a crystal in an antique shop or be given a stone that feels heavy, used, or preprogrammed in some way.
It may be necessary to bury the stone and give it back to Mother Earth to be cleansed if all other methods of energetic cleansing don't help remove the programming or heaviness of the crystal.
How To Cleanse Crystals FAQ
Why Cleanse Crystals?
There is a ‘memory' in crystals. They absorb the energy of the people who handle them, the environments in which they travel.
When you get a new crystal, who knows where that crystal has been before it made its way to your possession.
It is possible for the energies it picks up on to be the opposite of the crystal's innate characteristics or even the opposite of what we want to attract with the crystal.
Those energies can block the crystal from functioning correctly, simply clogging it up.
When Should I Cleanse My Crystals?
It can be difficult at first to get the most out of your crystals.
As you receive a lot of comfort and benefits from your crystals, it is only natural that you would need to pay back some of that energy and care.
Charge your crystals and cleanse them when you find a ritual that feels right and works for you. There's something comforting about it, and it can be an excellent way to begin a new week or month.
You should cleanse your crystals as soon as you buy a new crystal.
You are not sure where the crystal has been or who has held it. You want to cleanse your crystals to ensure that the crystals only control your own energies.
You also want to cleanse your crystals when you have used your crystals for an extended period of time or after a traumatic experience.
If you feel like your crystal energy is running low, you should cleanse it then as well.
How Long To Cleanse Crystals?
This is a very common question that gets asked, and the truth is, there is no time limit to the amount of time you need to cleanse your crystals.
You should cleanse your crystals for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, feel your crystals and see if your crystals feel like they are well cleansed.
Once they are cleansed, you can then charge your crystals and use them.
To learn how to charge your crystals, check out this in-depth article on charging crystals.
How Often To Cleanse Crystals?
As a stone is used more often, it accumulates more energy. You should clear all of your gemstones at least once a month as a rule of thumb.
Feel free to cleanse any stone that feels heavier than usual.
A specific amount of time does not have to pass between clearings. Therefore, you should cleanse your stones as often as you feel necessary.
It is essential to cleanse your crystals more often if you have been around many negative energies than when you have been around positive and uplifting energies.
Final Thoughts On Cleansing Crystals
We have learned how to cleanse crystals correctly and safely with 13 different methods outlined in this post.
We take care of ourselves when we care for our crystals. By allowing inharmonious energy to leave in a peaceful and healing manner, we're allowing it to leave our lives and intentions.
We can be more mindful in our interactions with stones, ourselves, and others if we take these small measures.
Thank you, I hope you enjoyed learning how to cleanse crystals.
Alan is the founder of Subconscious Servant. He has a passion for learning about topics such as spirituality and the metaphysical world. The thing he loves to explore most though is manifesting with the law of attraction ✨.