How to Cleanse Crystals: A Complete Guide

Did you know that your healing crystals need regular cleansing to perform at their best?

Join us as we explore the importance of crystal cleansing, various methods to cleanse them, frequently asked questions about crystal cleansing, and specific techniques for different types of crystals.

Get ready to discover simple and effective ways to keep your crystals pure and brimming with positive energy. Crystal lovers, let's dive in together.

Why should we cleanse our crystals?

Cleansing your crystals is a must-do ritual for every crystal lover. You might be wondering why cleansing it's so important. To understand this, let's explore how crystals work.

According to "The Crystal Healer" by Philip Permutt, crystals have a dynamic exchange of energy—they "give and take, absorb and release."

Crystals are highly absorbent of energy, which is why it's crucial to cleanse them before using them. When crystals accumulate negative energies, it can impact the type of energy we absorb during our crystal healing sessions. Therefore, cleansing your crystals on a regular basis is essential.

When purchasing crystals, it's vital to exercise caution. Anyone who has touched the crystal before you can leave an energetic imprint on it. This is why it's crucial to cleanse your crystals once they are in your possession, ensuring that you establish a pure connection with their energies.

Another reason why we highly recommend cleansing your crystals is that the act of cleansing itself provides a wonderful opportunity to get to know your crystal and attune to its unique energy.

Once your crystals have found a home with you, don't forget to regularly cleanse them to maintain their optimal energetic state.

Now that we understand how crystals work, let’s dive in and talk about what are my go-to easy crystal cleansing methods.

 

1. Cleanse with Smoke

1.1. Smudging

Smudging is one of my favorite techniques for dispelling any negative energies that may be trapped in my crystals.

When it comes to smudge sticks, you have the option to either purchase a pre-made smudge stick or craft your own using a variety of herbs, including: Sage, Lavender, Pine, Cedar, Mugwort, Cilantro, Sweetgrass, or Juniper.

Once you have lit the smudge stick, carefully walk it around your crystals, allowing the purifying smoke to envelop and cleanse the stones.

For a more traditional approach, consider using a feather to guide the flow of smoke. As noted by Philip Permut in "The Crystal Healer," Volume 2, feathers symbolically carry our prayers and wishes to the spirit realm.

Remember to choose a well-ventilated area and place a shell beneath your smudge stick for added safety.

1.2. Incense

One of my go-to methods is using incense. It comes in handy whenever you don't have enough time for intricate cleansing rituals.

The only downside is that the smoke from incense is typically softer compared to a smudge stick, resulting in a gentler cleansing effect. You can place your incense stick on a stand and hold your crystal above it or allow the smoke to pass through your crystals. Remember to always perform this practice in a well-ventilated area.

2. Cleanse with Dry Herbs

Dried herbs and flowers possess purifying properties and are great resources for cleansing crystals.

One notable advantage of this method is that it allows you to cleanse your crystals without causing any damage (unlike water, salt, or sun cleansing, which can be harmful) or posing the risk of accidental fires (as with the smudging method).

You have a wide array of herbs and flowers to choose from, such as:

Acacia, Basil, Cedar, Lavender, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rose Petals, Sage, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Valerian Root.

Once you have the herbs ready, place them in a container and bury your crystals within for approximately one night. Personally, I prefer reusing my dried flowers rather than discarding them after cleansing. However, other crystal enthusiasts may choose to either dispose of or burn them during rituals. Ultimately, the choice depends on what works best for you.

3. Cleanse with Sound

3.1. Tuning Forks

Most people are familiar with tuning forks as tools for tuning musical instruments. However, did you know that they are also valuable for cleansing your healing crystals? I personally love using tuning forks for this purpose.

While I may not be an expert in this field, I have experienced that each time I use tuning forks, my crystals feel fully cleansed and their energies seem amplified. What's even better is that tuning forks do not require replacements like sage, and they won't harm your crystals as sunlight or salt might.

Additionally, they are incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is strike the tuning fork and gently move it around your crystals. This method allows you to cleanse multiple crystals simultaneously, saving you time.

As you perform this process, it can be beneficial to visualize your crystals being purified. I have found that incorporating visualization significantly accelerates the cleansing process.

3.2. Singing Bowls

Tibetan singing bowls are a type of musical instrument traditionally used in Tibetan Buddhist practices. Their soothing tones can assist in the cleansing of crystals, meditation, and purifying spaces.

Here's how to use them to cleanse your crystals:

1. Arrange your crystals around the singing bowl.
2. Hold the bowl in your non-dominant hand.
3. Try strike the bowl with a mallet. Then, firmly glide the mallet along the outer rim of the bowl in a clockwise motion.
4. Allow your crystals to immerse themselves in the purifying music.

This method enables you to cleanse multiple crystals simultaneously. While performing this practice, you can also engage in meditation and visualize your crystals being thoroughly cleansed.

Remember not to place your crystals inside the singing bowl to prevent any potential damage.

4. Cleanse with Nature

Nature provides numerous possibilities for purifying your crystals. You can expose them to sunlight, moonlight, cleanse them in rivers, or even bury them in the earth.

4.1 Sunlight Cleansing

In Chinese feng shui, the sun represents yang or masculine energy. Personally, I find that leaving crystals in the sun not only purifies them but also infuses them with uplifting and powerful energy.

While many recommend leaving them for 10-12 hours, I have found that 10 minutes to 1 hour in the morning at 10 AM works just fine.

However, it's crucial to be cautious as leaving certain crystals in the sun for too long can cause damage.

For example, colorful crystals like amethyst may fade, vivianite may lose its vibrant green color and turn black, black tourmaline might crack, and clear quartz might even create a fire hazard if is placed on any type of combustible material. Cinnabar might also realease mercury if heated! Therefore, please exercise extra care when using this method.

4.2 Moonlight Cleansing

In feng shui, the moon embodies yin or feminine energy. It possesses regenerative powers, making moonlight particularly beneficial for cleansing crystals, especially during the full moon.

Simply place your stones on a windowsill overnight. Unlike sunlight, moonlight won't harm your crystals. However, remember to wake up early in the morning to store them away from direct sunlight.

4.3 Burying crystals in Earth

Your crystals originate from the depths of the earth, and by burying them, you can give them an energy reset.

Ideally, digging a hole in your garden would be the most effective method, but if you live in an apartment, burying them in flower pots works just as well.

Leave them for a few days or even a week for best results.

If you choose to bury them in your garden, always remember to mark your spot and take precautions to protect them from your pets. Dogs, in particular, have a tendency to dig holes, and you might have difficulty finding your crystals if they are disturbed.

4.4 Cleansing crystals under running water (rivers, streams, oceans, under rainfall)

Running water possesses the ability to wash away negative energies from your stones.

To cleanse your crystals, gently run them under water for approximately 1 minute, all while visualizing the cleansing process and strengthening your connection with the stone.

Rainfall is also highly beneficial, but remember to bring your crystals indoors once the rain subsides to prevent prolonged exposure to sunlight.

However, it's important to note that not all crystals can be safely submerged in water. Submerging certain crystals can cause damage. As a general rule, avoid placing any crystal below a hardness level of 6 on the Mohs scale into water.

5. Cleanse with Salt

Salt has been used in purification rituals for a long time in different cultures. In Romania, we use salt to protect against the evil eye and evil spirits.

When cleansing crystals with salt, you can either bury them in salt or make a saltwater bath by mixing a tablespoon of salt with water. Just be careful with soft crystals or ones that can dissolve in water, like Selenite.

Some crystals may also rust or tarnish. (check this list / the list down below to find the right cleansing method for your crystal) 

The duration of cleansing depends on the amount of negative energy absorbed by the crystal. It can range from one hour to one night, or even a few days. After cleansing, remember to rinse your crystals with fresh water and discard the used salt. The salt has already absorbed the negative energies from your crystals and cannot cleanse any more crystals.

6. Cleanse with Other Crystals

As mentioned by Judy Hall in "The Crystal Bible", certain crystals have the unique ability to cleanse other crystals.

My personal favorites for cleansing are quartz clusters, selenite, and clear quartz. The best part is that these crystals are reusable, non-consumable, and completely safe for your crystals.

And let's be honest, who wouldn't want another reason to expand their crystal collection?

6.1. Quartz Clusters

Quartz clusters are great for cleansing smaller crystals and crystal jewelry.

Simply place your jewelry on top of the clusters overnight to cleanse and refresh your crystals. Moreover, crystal clusters also have an amazing ability to purify rooms and other spaces by removing negative energy.

Remember to regularly cleanse your clusters to keep them effective in cleansing other crystals.

6.2. Using Selenite

Selenite is a highly popular crystal in the crystal community due to its cleansing properties. This beautiful crystal can clear your mind and offer protection for your home.

When using it for cleansing, it's recommended to use a selenite bowl or plate. Just like the method mentioned earlier, all you need to do is place your stones on top of the selenite and leave them overnight.

While some people believe that selenite is self-cleansing, I personally prefer to cleanse it regularly regardless.

6.3. Clear Quartz Chips

Clear Quartz may be one of the most abundant crystals on Earth, but its healing properties go far beyond ordinary.

This amazing crystal is known as "The Master Healer of All" and can be programmed to fulfill any intention you desire. Additionally, it possesses the ability to amplify the healing properties of other crystals when paired with them.

When it comes to cleansing, clear quartz chips are excellent at clearing negativity from your stones. Although not as widely recognized in the West for cleansing as Selenite, Clear Quartz chips are highly regarded in Asia.

Similarly to the methods mentioned earlier, you can place your crystals on top of clear quartz chips and leave them overnight or for as long as you feel is needed. Give it a try, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how easy and effective this method is.

FAQs

How often should you cleanse your crystals?

Unless you're a professional crystal healer, cleansing your crystals once a month should be sufficient for your needs. However, it's important to be mindful of who touches your crystals. Many crystal enthusiasts believe that you should never allow anyone to touch your crystals.

Personally, I believe it's acceptable as long as the person is someone close to me. However, if someone I'm uncomfortable with touches my crystals, I would cleanse my crystals before using them again.

Can you cleanse your crystals together or do you have to do it one by one?

Both methods work equally well. Cleansing your crystals "in bulk" is efficient and less time-consuming.

Methods such as smudging, moonlight cleansing, and using dried herbs are excellent for cleansing multiple crystals at once.

If you want to deepen your connection and program each crystal individually, cleansing them one by one can strengthen the bond between you and each crystal. Feel free to choose the method that resonates with you the most.

Can you cleanse crystals using moonlight without the full moon?

Although cleansing during a full moon is considered more effective and powerful, you can still cleanse your crystals under moonlight at any stage of the lunar cycle.

Is cleansing and charging the same thing?

Cleansing involves removing negative energy stored inside your crystal, while charging refers to restoring your crystal to its natural state where its innate properties can be refreshed.

Through charging, we can ensure that our crystal is operating at its maximum potential.

Cleansing and charging can also occur simultaneously, especially when employing methods of cleansing that involve returning the crystal to nature (such as sunlight or moonlight cleansing, burying crystals in soil, or washing them in rivers, streams, and oceans).

What happens if you don’t cleanse your crystals?

If your crystals hold onto negative energy, they may become less effective and can even transfer that negativity back to you, causing you to feel down without any apparent reason.

Excessive negative energy can even lead to crystals breaking.

List of crystals and recommended cleansing methods

The order of the methods is the following: sun, water, salt water, smudging.

Bibliography

1. Permutt, Philip. The Crystal Healer: Volume 2: Harness the power of crystal energy. September 18, 2018.
2. Permutt, Philip. The Crystal Healer: Crystal prescriptions that will change your life forever. Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 2007.
3. Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible (The Crystal Bible Series). Paperback – Illustrated, May 11, 2003.
4. Knowles, Emma Lucy. The Power of Crystal Healing: Change Your Energy and Live a High-Vibe Life. Hardcover – October 9, 2018.
5. Armády, Naha. Everyday Crystal Rituals: Healing Practices for Love, Wealth, Career, and Home. Paperback – December 4, 2018.