Cleansing Crystals

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Before you start running a bubble bath for your crystals (we know you wouldn’t, but thought that was quite a funny mental image), take a look at our list of popular ways to cleanse crystals. As we mentioned above, certain conditions aren’t suited to specific crystals, so make sure you tailor your crystal cleansing to the pieces you have.  Then visit my tools page for some help.

If you are looking for tips on how to charge crystals, see my other post!

What Does It Mean To Cleanse Crystals?

Cleansing crystals is an essential practice in the realm of crystal healing and metaphysics, integral to maintaining their purity and effectiveness. Crystals, being natural energy conductors, have a remarkable capacity to absorb various energies from their surroundings and the people who handle them. These energies can range from positive and healing to negative and stagnant. Over time, as crystals accumulate these diverse energies, their own energy can become muddled and less potent. This is where the process of cleansing comes into play.

Imagine it as giving your crystals a refreshing energy bath, a way for them to release any accumulated energies and return to their natural, pristine state. Just as you cleanse your body to remove dirt and impurities, crystals benefit from a similar purification. Cleansing effectively clears out any energetic imprints or influences that may have adhered to the crystal, allowing it to regain its clarity and potency.

Regardless of your purpose for using crystals – whether it's for meditation, energy healing, chakra work, or simply as beautiful ornaments – regular crystal cleansing ensures that they maintain their highest vibrational frequency. This practice is akin to tuning a musical instrument to produce its most harmonious notes. By keeping your crystals energetically cleansed, you ensure they remain powerful allies on your spiritual journey, supporting your intentions and goals with their enhanced energy.

Crystals For Cleansing

Crystals have a unique ability not only to store and amplify energy but also to cleanse and purify the energies of other crystals. This process, often referred to as "charging" or "cleansing," can be a valuable part of a crystal enthusiast's routine to maintain the vibrational purity of their crystals. Certain crystals possess inherent properties that make them particularly effective at cleansing and revitalizing other crystals.

One of the most commonly used cleansing crystals is Clear Quartz. Clear Quartz is renowned for its ability to amplify energy and cleanse other crystals of any stagnant or negative vibrations. It acts as a "master healer" and can restore the energetic balance of crystals it comes into contact with.

Another powerful cleansing crystal is Selenite. Selenite has a gentle, yet potent energy that can sweep away negative energies from other crystals like a broom. It is often used to purify and recharge other crystals, making it an essential tool for crystal users.

Amethyst is also recognized for its cleansing properties. Its soothing and purifying energy can help dispel any negative energies that may have accumulated in other crystals. Amethyst is particularly effective for emotional and spiritual cleansing.

Cleansing Crystals With Selenite

Selenite is one of the few crystals that never needs to be charged or cleansed itself.  It is also said that placing other crystals on a selenite platform or in a selenite bowl for just 10 minutes is equivalent to placing your crystals under the moon for an entire night. Bonus, you don't have to move your entire crystal collection outside haha. It’s also a great excuse to buy a beautiful, larger piece of Selenite for cleansing or charging your crystals!

Sound Bath Cleansing

Did you know that you can use the power of sound to cleanse your crystals? Sound cleansing is a popular method among crystal healers and is believed to help remove negative energy from your crystals. You can use singing bowls, bells, or even your own voice to create a high-pitched sound that can cleanse and purify your crystals.

Another effective way to cleanse your crystals is by using the power of the sun and the moon. Simply place your crystals in a spot where they can absorb the energy of the sun or moon, depending on the type of crystal you have. This method is believed to help recharge your crystals and enhance their healing properties.

Cleansing Crystals With The Moon

The moon is probably the best way to cleanse all of your crystals, no matter which ones you have. The moon does not pose any harm in terms of heat, light or moisture, so a moon bath is many people’s preferred option.  If you have soft crystals or live in a humid or wet location, you can still accomplish this by placing your crystals in a window that will have moonlight shine through. Honestly, probably easier than putting outside!

 

Cleanse Crystals With The Sun

The sun has amazing cleansing and healing energies - we’ve all enjoyed closing our eyes and letting the sun warm our faces as we stop to enjoy this celestial body. Of course this doesn't mean leave them out in the sun all day every day.  You just want to do this when they need some cleansing action.  However as lovely as this warm and light is for many of us humans, some crystals just can’t hack the heat or direct light. Here are some of the beauts that don’t like to sun:

• Fluorite
• Aquamarine
• Opal
• Turquoise
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Quartz
• Smoky Quartz
• Rose Quartz
• Sapphire
• Celestite
• Kunzite
• Topaz

Cleansing Crystal Energy With Water

When you think of cleansing, water is the first thing that pops into your mind and yes, the cleansing abilities of water can be great for SOME crystals. Placing crystals into a bowl of water or holding them under running water (many people opt for fresh springs or streams, but you can use a faucet) are both ways in which you can get your crystal ready to work with, but which ones are not safe to use this method for?

Softer Crystals:

• Angelite
• Celestite
• Calcite
• Selenite
• Halite (salt)
• Mica
• Opal
• Lepidolite
• Muscovite
• Unpolished Turquoise
• Himalayan Salt Crystals

 

Metal/Ore Crystals:

• Hematite
• Lodestone
• Pyrite

Some of the harder ones are ok if you are only quickly running water over them, but never soak. For example, lepidolite is not going to just magically dissolve if you rinse it off, but given a long soak it might flake apart.

Cleansing Crystals In The Earth

The energy of the earth from which the crystals originally came is obviously a great idea for cleansing, but because of the moisture in soil, it may not be the best choice for some of the crystals that don’t like water all that much (see above).

If you want to use the cleansing energies of the earth, then you will need to have an area in which you can dig up slightly to bury your crystals. Once buried, the crystals are left overnight, often on the night of a full moon for extra cleansing powers. Just make sure to put a marker in the ground so you can go back and find them the next day!

Crystal Cleansing With Smoke 

Using smoke to cleanse your crystals is another fab way to prepare them for programming with your own intentions. Incense is one of the ways in which you can utilize this and all you have to do is pass each crystal through the smoke created when your incense is burning. You can also use a bundle of sage to do this same technique.  Please keep in mind that White Sage is a sacred herb and also considered endangered, so if you are going to use this, please make sure it is ethically and sustainably sourced and you understand the history behind it.

Some great options of incense or herbal bundle scents for cleansing are:

• White Sage
• Frankincense
• Cedar
• Lavender

I actually have quite a few of these options and more in the crystal cleansing section of this website.

Palo Santo

Palo Santo is wood from a mystical tree which grows in South American areas and it is actually related to frankincense and myrrh. The name Palo Santo literally means “holy wood” so it’s no wonder that it is used in rituals and ceremonies AND to cleanse crystals.  Now, there IS a 'Palo Santo' on the endangered species list, but this is not it, despite what people keep trying to say.  There are two species of Palo, we source both ethically and sustainable Palo Santo Bursera graveolens species which is NOT endangered.

 

Finally, you can also use the power of visualization to cleanse your crystals. Simply hold your crystal in your hand and visualize a bright, white light surrounding it. This light is believed to help remove any negative energy from your crystal and enhance its natural healing properties.

Remember, cleansing your crystals is an important step in maintaining their energy and enhancing their healing properties. By using these different methods, you can find the one that works best for you and your crystals.

What happens if you don't cleanse crystals?

If you don't cleanse your crystals, they can accumulate negative energy over time. This can result in a number of issues, including reduced effectiveness in their healing properties and overall energy. Crystals are known for their ability to absorb and store energy, both positive and negative, which is why it's important to regularly cleanse them. Neglecting to do so can result in a buildup of negative energy that can affect not only the crystal itself but also the surrounding environment. It's also possible for the energy of one crystal to transfer to another nearby crystal, further compounding the issue. By regularly cleansing your crystals, you can restore their natural energy and ensure that they continue to be effective tools for healing and spiritual growth.

On a more positive note, regular cleansing of crystals can have many benefits. It can help to amplify the crystal's natural properties, clear any negative energy that may have accumulated, and promote a sense of balance and harmony in your space. Cleansing can also be a mindful and meditative practice, allowing you to connect more deeply with your crystals and set positive intentions for their use. By taking care of your crystals through regular cleansing, you can ensure that they are always working at their highest potential and bringing positive energy into your life.

While it is important to cleanse your crystals regularly, it is not the end of the world if you forget to do so or if you are unable to do it for some reason. Crystals have been around for millions of years and have gone through numerous cycles of being used, forgotten, and rediscovered. They are resilient and can still offer their energy and healing properties even if they haven't been cleansed recently. However, if you notice that your crystals are not working as effectively as they used to or if they feel heavy or dull, it may be a sign that they need to be cleansed. Simply take the time to cleanse them and reset their energy, and they will be back to their full potential in no time. Remember to always treat your crystals with respect and gratitude, and they will continue to serve as powerful tools for healing and transformation.

Literal Crystal Cleaning

Now that we have covered the metaphysical cleansing of crystals, you might be wondering how to quite literally clean crystals.  Many of the harder stones like quartz and amethyst can be cleaned using running water and a tiny bit of natural soap if its really dirty.  Just make sure to cleanse it throughout.  Some of the softer crystals you can still rinse off quickly, just don't use soap or any scrubbing.  And make sure they can dry out.

In general, I don't clean my crystals much once I do the first cleaning.  My favorite tool is a little USB compressed air blower that I can use to dust off my pieces.  It's quite handy around the house too!  While it is not the cheapest in the world, think of how many cans of gas you could go through if you were constantly blowing off your entire collection (or all the surfaces and corners in your house).  It even has a throttle for how much it blows! Plus this is way more environmentally friendly than those cans.