Cleansing your crystals is an important part of maintaining their energy, especially when working with stones like quartz, amethyst, or rose quartz. Crystals need to be cleansed regularly to clear any negative energies they’ve absorbed. And, there are many ways to cleanse and charge your crystal, each suited for different stones.  In this guide, we will explore the best ways to cleanse your crystals, from running water and moonlight to smudging with sage and using sound vibrations. You will learn how to choose the right cleansing method for different stones, ensuring they stay refreshed, recharged, and ready to work with positive energy.

How do you cleanse crystals?

Running Water Cleansing

One of the simplest ways to cleanse your crystals is by using running water. This cleansing method works well for tumbled stones and harder varieties like quartz or selenite. Simply place your crystal under running water, whether from a faucet, natural spring water, or even salt water from the ocean, to help clear the energy. Crystals like clear quartz and amethyst can handle this method, but soft stones should be kept away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or water. When working with your crystals, it’s always a good idea to check whether your crystal is safe for this method.

Salt Water Cleansing

If you would like to cleanse your stones more deeply, placing them in a bowl of water mixed with table salt or salt water from the sea can be an effective way to clear the energy. This method of cleansing is powerful, but certain crystals aren’t suited for long exposure. Stones like rose quartz and amethyst may handle this method well, but softer or porous crystals need to be cleansed differently. After some time, remove the stones and rinse them with spring water before using them again.

Smoke Cleansing with Sage or Palo Santo

Smudging is a powerful way to cleanse your crystals using smoke. This method works by passing your crystal through the rising smoke of sage, palo santo, or other herbs known for their cleansing properties. When you want to cleanse and charge your crystal, hold it with the intention of clearing negative energy they’ve absorbed. This is a good idea to cleanse protective stones or larger stones that are difficult to bury or wash. The smoke clears any lingering energy and allows your crystals to recharge.

Moonlight Cleansing

The full moon is a powerful time to cleanse and charge your crystal’s energy. The moon’s energy can be absorbed when you leave your crystals outside or on a windowsill where the light of the moon can reach them. Moonlight to cleanse is a gentle and effective way to cleanse stones like clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst. The new moon can also be a good time to cleanse your crystals, as the fresh cycle allows for renewal. If you’re using this method, simply place the stones out overnight and let your crystals absorb the positive energy.

Sunlight Cleansing

Moon or sun exposure can help recharge crystals for healing, but it’s important to cleanse only certain crystals this way. Direct sunlight may be a powerful way to charge your crystal, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade stones like amethyst and rose quartz. If you need to cleanse and charge your crystal with sunlight, limit the time to a few hours in the early morning or late afternoon. Some protective stones and quartz varieties handle sunlight well, but always check whether your crystal is suited for this method.

Bury Your Crystals in Earth

Burying your crystals in soil is another way to cleanse and recharge their energy. This method works well for crystals that have absorbed negative energies over time. If you have a new piece that needs to be cleansed, burying it in the ground for a full day can help remove any lingering energy. Stones like quartz or selenite can be placed in the earth to reconnect with natural elements. When you’re ready to work with your crystals again, simply brush off any dirt and they’ll be refreshed.

Sound Cleansing with Singing Bowls and Tuning Forks

Using sound is an important part of owning crystals, especially when working with larger stones that may be harder to cleanse using water or salt. A singing bowl or tuning fork can create vibrations that clear the energy of your stones. When you use sound, the waves move through the crystal, shaking off any stuck energy. This method of cleansing is great for people who use crystals often and want to cleanse multiple stones at once.

Cleansing with Selenite or Clear Quartz

Certain crystals like quartz or selenite have strong cleansing properties and can be used to cleanse your crystals as well. If you need to cleanse and charge your crystal but prefer a gentler approach, simply place your crystal on a slab of selenite or near a piece of clear quartz. These stones naturally absorb and neutralize negative energy, making them a good way to recharge smaller crystals. Tumbled stones and soft stones benefit from this method, as they don’t need exposure to direct sunlight, water, or salt.

How Often Should You Cleanse Your Crystals?

When you work with your crystals regularly, they need to be cleansed more often. If you use your crystals for healing or keep them in spaces with a lot of energy shifts, it may be time to cleanse them at least once a month. A full moon is a powerful time for crystal cleansing, but if you feel your crystal’s energy is dull, you don’t have to wait. The best ways to cleanse depend on the type of stone and how often you use it. Giving your crystal a cleanse and charge when it feels heavy or off is always a good practice.

Final Thoughts on Crystal Cleansing

There are many ways you can cleanse and charge your crystals, and the method you choose depends on the type of stone and its needs. Whether you prefer running water, moonlight to cleanse, or using sage, the important part of owning crystals is keeping them refreshed. If you often use crystals, regularly cleansing them ensures they maintain their healing properties and stay free of any negative energy they’ve absorbed. Whatever method you choose, the power of crystals remains strongest when they are properly cared for.