Simple, Pleasurable, & Effective Ways to Cleanse Crystals

You’ll love the many different ways to cleanse crystals.

Why cleanse crystals? Cleansing crystals regularly is a key part of caring for them and keeping them in peak condition.

Crystals absorb energy from the people and environment around them. That’s why cleansing crystals is so important, because cleansing helps to remove any unwanted, unneeded energy, so they’re ready to use and work with again.

Whether you use your crystals in crystal grids or layouts, love wearing healing crystals as sparkly bracelets or pretty pendants, or adore displaying crystals around your home, it’s essential that you cleanse your treasured stones often.

It’s perfectly all right to cleanse multiple crystals together or cleanse them one at a time. And remember, when you’re cleansing crystals, always stay focused on your positive intention – to remove any energy that isn’t best for you or your crystals.

6 Lovely Ways to Cleanse Crystals

Cleansing crystals can be an incredibly satisfying experience. Here are some easy, effective cleansing methods that you and your crystals may enjoy…

You may know right away which of these ways to cleanse crystals is for you, or you may want to experiment to see which one (or ones) you prefer.

Cleanse with Sound

Not only is cleansing crystals with sound an ideal way to cleanse many crystals at once, but sound can be so very restorative and soothing for people and spaces, too.

Use a gentle type of sound that resonates with you, like a singing bowl, Tibetan chimes, cymbals, drums, or bells – these are all inspiring, impactful ways to cleanse crystals.

To crystal-cleanse with sound, stand or sit near the crystals. Play the sound a few times, or until you intuitively feel the crystals have been cleansed by the sound vibrations moving around and through them.

Take your time, relaxing in the tranquil, grounding energy of the sound.

Cleanse with Other Crystals

Certain crystals, such as selenite, clear quartz, amethyst, citrine, and carnelian, are naturally cleansing. When other crystals need cleansing, place them near or on a cleansing crystal at least overnight, or until you feel the cleansing process is complete.

This is a wonderful method for cleansing healing crystal jewelry. Treat yourself to a pretty selenite bowl, plate, or tower, and place your jewelry on or around it as soon as you take it off (e.g. when you get home from work or school). Leave it there overnight or longer for cleansing.

Remember, you’ll also need to cleanse the crystals you use for cleansing others. Choose another of these cleansing methods for those.

Cleanse with Moonlight

Cleansing with moonlight can be a magical experience for you and your crystals.

On a moonlit night, place your crystals on a windowsill or in a safe place outside and leave them overnight. (They can be in direct or indirect moonlight – either is fine.)

Remove the crystals from the windowsill in the morning before sunlight reaches them. (Some crystals, especially clear or translucent stones, may lose their color and luster or grow brittle if left in sunlight for long periods of time.)

Cleanse with Flowing Water

Holding crystals under flowing or moving water for a few minutes is another lovely way to cleanse them – but it’s important to remember that this cleansing method is appropriate only for certain crystals. Some crystals are water soluble and can be damaged if cleansed with water, so be sure to choose another method for those.

For this cleansing method, choose natural water, if possible, like a trickling brook or the ocean shoreline. Place any smaller crystals in a natural-fabric pouch or bag first to ensure you don’t accidentally drop or lose them in the water.

Embrace the captivating sound of running water and tranquility of your surroundings as you nurture yourself and your crystals. Afterwards, let the crystals dry naturally or pat dry with a soft cloth.

Cleanse with Himalayan Salt Lamps

Another easy, gentle way to cleanse your crystals and your space is with a Himalayan salt lamp. Place a few crystals near the lamp, turn it on, and then just leave it for a few hours. If you have a smaller salt lamp and many crystals to cleanse, do just a few at a time.

Cleanse with Incense

Using incense is a simple, fulfilling crystal-cleansing method. Incense can help to clear the energy not only of your crystals, but also your energy and the energy in your space. Certain scents can provide other benefits, as well.

To cleanse crystals using incense, light the incense and place it safely in an incense burner. Place crystals near (not in or on) the burner, where the smoke can waft over them. Leave them for a while, until you feel they are cleansed. You can also hold a crystal over the incense for a few moments, letting the smoke envelop it.

Cleansing vs. cleaning crystals

“Cleansing” crystals is different from “cleaning” them. Crystals may also need to be cleaned occasionally – for example, if they get dusty while sitting on your desk or a shelf.

If this happens, brush them carefully with a soft brush (like a makeup or powder brush). You can also gently wash crystals with warm water and a bit of natural liquid soap. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. (For soft, crumbly, or water-soluble crystals, you can ever-so-carefully wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.)

How Often Should Crystals Be Cleansed?

How often you cleanse your crystals depends on a few different things, like where they are stored and how often you use them.

For example, if you use your crystals often or display them in a room where you and others spend lots of time, you may want to cleanse the crystals once a week, every few days, or even every day.

You can cleanse crystals whenever you feel it’s time or you can set a schedule for regular cleansing (every Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening, for example).

Not sure if your crystals need cleansing? There are some easy ways to tell if it may be time for cleansing…

Your crystals don’t seem to be as sparkly and are looking dull or lackluster.
You feel like your crystals haven’t been working as well lately.
Your crystals feel different when you touch them (crystals that need to be cleansed may start to feel waxy or slightly tacky).
You’re planning to use them for crystal healing. When using crystals for healing, it’s good practice to cleanse them before and after use.
Your intuition is telling you it’s cleansing time for your crystals.
You simply want to cleanse your crystals because you adore the ritual and connection with them.

Also remember to remove any previously set intentions from new crystals before activating them for your own use.

The crystal is new to you. It’s important to cleanse any new crystals as soon as you bring them home. This helps rid them of any previous energy so you can have a fresh start with your new stones. Note that some crystal sellers cleanse crystals before sending or giving them to you (e.g. with Reiki, incense, or an herbal smudge stick). You may be able to sense the positive energy of the crystals when you receive them, and may decide not to cleanse them again right away.

Cleansing crystals is a very simple but incredibly meaningful process that helps you care for and make a connection with your crystals. And regularly cleansing crystals helps them work better, too.

No matter which of these ways to cleanse crystals you choose, remember that the most important part of cleansing is your positive intention… removing any energy that doesn't serve you or isn’t the best for you and your crystals.

Want to learn more about caring for crystals? Visit our Healing Crystals Guide.

And be sure to drop by and visit us on Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration for using healing crystals.