Tools to help cleanse your crystals or the energy in your space.  Not only can you find ethically, and sustainably sourced Palo Santo and Sage in this section, but we also have a cute little incense bowls that you can also use with the Palo Santo Chips, Sage Leaves and more. Read more about our crystal cleansing tools at the bottom of the page!

 

Crystal Cleansing

It is generally believed that crystals absorb negative energies from their surroundings and interactions, making regular cleansing an essential part of maintaining their effectiveness. If your crystal collection feels heavy or its energy seems off, it may be time to clear away unwanted energy and restore its vibrational energy.

This guide explores the best methods of cleansing for different types of crystals, ensuring their life force energy flows freely. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions about keeping your crystals in optimal condition.

 

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.

 

Cleansing vs. Charging: What’s the Difference?

• Cleansing removes stale energy, bad energy, and accumulated negativity.
• Charging replenishes the crystal’s life force energy, strengthening its properties.
• Just like we need sleep to restore energy, crystals need to be cleansed and recharged for optimal effectiveness.

In addition to cleansing crystals, the tools shown in this post can also be good charging - checkout our guide for how to charge crystals! 

Signs Your Crystal Needs Cleansing

• It feels heavier or duller than usual.
• Your meditation practice feels off.
• It no longer resonates with your energy field.
• It has been used in a realm event like energy healing or emotional work.

 

Best Methods for Cleansing Crystals

Regular cleansing ensures that they remain energetically balanced and effective for their intended purposes. Below are the most effective methods for cleansing crystals, with detailed instructions on how to perform each method properly.

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1. Water Cleansing: Fresh Water & Salt Water Soaks

Best For: Quartz-based crystals like clear quartz, amethyst, and citrine.

How to Do It:

• Hold the crystal under running fresh water for at least one minute, visualizing any negative energy being washed away.
• For a deeper cleanse, prepare a bowl of salt water using either sea salt or Himalayan salt mixed with water. Let the crystal soak for 1-3 hours.
• If using this method in nature, placing crystals in a stream or river (where safe) allows the natural flow of energy in the water to cleanse and rejuvenate them.

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?

Essentially, any porous stone or softer crystal are not ideal for water cleansing (see our full list below of crystals that we don't recommend cleansing with water):

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.

Caution:
Not all crystals tolerate water. Delicate stones such as malachite, selenite, fluorite, lapis lazuli, and celestite can dissolve or become damaged when submerged in water on crystals for too long. Porous stones and those containing iron (like pyrite) should also be kept away from water to prevent deterioration.

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2. Sunlight Cleansing: Using Direct Sunlight

Best For: Crystals associated with fire and solar energy, such as carnelian, tiger’s eye, sunstone, and gold crystals.

How to Do It:

• Place the crystal outside or near a window with direct sunlight for 1-4 hours.
• Ensure that the crystal is positioned in a way that allows the natural vibrations of the sun to recharge it completely.
• Sunlight can amplify the crystal’s life force energy, strengthening its energetic field.

Best for: Robust and energizing crystals like clear quartz, tiger’s eye, and carnelian.

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

Caution:
Some crystals, like amethyst, rose quartz, fluorite, and aquamarine, fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. If using this method for these stones, limit their exposure to the sun to 30-60 minutes.

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3. Moonlight & Lunar Cycle Cleansing

Best For: All types of crystals, particularly those used in meditation practice and spiritual work.

How to Do It:

• Place your crystals outside or on a windowsill under the full moon for at least 6 hours.
• The lunar cycle enhances this process, making the full moon an ideal time for crystal cleansing.
• If you want an even stronger cleanse, pair moonlight cleansing with an intention-setting ritual to amplify the effects.

Best for: All crystal types, particularly those used for emotional healing or spiritual work.

Why Moonlight?
Unlike direct sunlight, moonlight is gentler on delicate crystals and allows for subtle energetic cleansing without causing physical damage. The flow of energy from the moon aligns with feminine energy, making it particularly useful for emotional healing stones like moonstone, selenite, and rose quartz.

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4. Sound Healing: Tibetan Singing Bowls & Tuning Forks

Best For: Large collections of crystals or delicate stones that cannot be cleansed with water or salt.

How to Do It:

• Strike a Tibetan singing bowl or use a tuning fork to create vibrational energy that will clear unwanted energy from the crystals.
• Allow the sound waves to wash over the crystals for 5-10 minutes, ensuring that the entire collection of crystals receives the energy.
• The natural vibrations created by sound help restore harmony in the crystal’s energy field.

Best for: Any crystals, especially when physical space or time is limited.

 

Why Sound Healing?
Using Tibetan singing bowls or a tuning fork is one of the safest and most effective ways to cleanse a crystal, as it does not involve physical contact that could cause wear or damage. This method is also ideal for larger crystals or those that have stale energy built up over time.

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5. Brown Rice Cleansing: Removing Negative Energies

Best For: Protective crystals like black tourmaline, obsidian, and smoky quartz that tend to absorb a high amount of negative energies.

How to Do It:

• Fill a bowl with uncooked brown rice and bury the crystals completely.
• Leave them for at least 24 hours to allow the rice to absorb negative energy from the stones.
• Once done, discard the rice—do not reuse it, as it has absorbed the bad energy from the crystals.

Why Brown Rice?
Brown rice is known for its ability to draw out and neutralize stagnant energy, making it an effective alternative method for cleansing crystals that need extra purification but are too fragile for water or smoke cleansing.

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6. Smudging with Sage Stick or Palo Santo

Best For: All crystal types, especially delicate stones that cannot be submerged in water on crystals.

 

In addition to crystal cleansing, one of my favorite ways to bring a fresh energy into my home is to open all of the windows, light a Palo Santo stick (and blow it out hehe) and allow the smoke to flow throughout the rooms. My personal favorite is Palo Santo Wood because the scent brings me back to childhood memories of beach bonfires and cozy fireplaces. It immediately increases my positive energy levels. Some people have the same feel and preference for Sage or other scents. It is entirely a personal preference on what you want to use for your home or crystal cleansing.

We do make it a point to source ours in the best way possible. Palo Santo Wood is a species of Bursera graveolens from South America. While there is a 'Palo Santo' that Is in fact on the endangered watchlist, this is not it. The wood must naturally fall (like a branch falling off), or the tree must experience a natural death (aka not chopped down), and sit for many years before it may be collected. It is also collected in the most respectful and traditional way, and in addition to supporting the local community, they are also responsibly re-populating the forest.

Additionally, our California White Sage which is probably the most common item used for smudging is sustainably grown on a private farm in Southern California. While they plant more continuously, I purposely only use the 'leftovers' or small pieces so that we are not using as much. These leaves and pieces work perfectly in our small Lotus Incense Burning Bowl! It also smells absolutely great which is always a bonus to any cleansing rituals!

 

How to Cleanse Crystals with a Sage Stick or Palo Santo Wood:

• Light a sage stick or Palo Santo wood, allowing the smoke to fill the space around your crystals.
• Pass each crystal through the smoke several times while setting an intention for purification and energy renewal.
• This method is particularly effective for removing stale energy and restoring vibrational clarity.

Why Smudging?
The healing energies of sage and Palo Santo clear out negative energies while reinforcing the crystal’s protective shield. Smudging is one of the oldest methods of cleansing and works well in combination with other cleansing rituals.

 

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7. Earth Burying: Reconnecting to the Life Force Energy

Best For: Larger crystals and crystal clusters that have been exposed to intense energies or require a deep reset.

How to Do It:

• Find a clean and undisturbed spot in nature (your backyard, garden, or a potted plant).
• Bury the crystal in the soil and leave it for 24-72 hours.
• This method recharges the crystal by allowing it to reconnect with the Earth’s life force energy.

Why Bury Crystals?
Burying a crystal in soil removes deeply embedded unwanted energy and restores balance. Since crystals originate from the Earth, returning them to the soil resets their natural frequency. This is especially useful after a realm event like energy healing sessions or when working with highly charged stones.

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8. 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.

How to Cleanse with Crystals:

• Place smaller crystals on a selenite slab or bowl for a few hours to overnight.
• Alternatively, arrange your stones around a clear quartz cluster to cleanse and recharge them.

Best for: Smaller stones or when other methods are unavailable.

 

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. Larger crystals like Clear Quartz and amethyst geodes are excellent options.

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!

 

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9. Visualization

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 or unwanted energy from your crystal and enhance its natural healing properties.

How to Cleanse with Visualization:

• Hold the crystal in your hands, close your eyes, and center yourself with deep breaths.
• Imagine a bright, white light surrounding the crystal, purifying it and dissolving any negativity.

Best for: Crystals used in personal or spiritual practices.

Choosing the Right Cleansing Method for Your Crystals

Each crystal is unique, and not all cleansing methods work for every crystal type. If you’re unsure about the best cleansing method, consider the hardness and composition of your crystal:

• Water-based cleansing is ideal for hard crystals like quartz but should be avoided for porous stones.
• Sound healing and moonlight cleansing are safe for all crystals.
• Smudging and brown rice cleansing are great alternatives for delicate or powerful stones that need extra care.

 

Best Crystals for Cleansing Other Crystals

Here is our recommended crystals to use when charging other crystals

• Selenite & Clear Quartz → Self-cleansing and great for energizing a collection of crystals.
• Amethyst & Carnelian → Neutralize bad energy and restore balance.
• Citrine → Doesn’t absorb negative energies, making it perfect for long-term cleansing.

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.

FAQs: Crystal Cleansing & Maintenance

Cleansing your crystals regularly ensures they remain energetically vibrant and free of negative energies. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about crystal cleansing, including the best methods, frequency, and tips for maintaining the energy of your collection of crystals.

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How Often Should I Cleanse My Crystals?

Crystals absorb energy from their surroundings, including the emotions and intentions of those handling them. Regular cleansing helps remove unwanted energy and keeps them functioning at their highest vibrational frequency.

Recommended Cleansing Frequency:

• At least once a month – This ensures your crystals stay energetically clear and aligned.
• After an intense emotional or healing session – If you’ve used your crystals for deep meditation, chakra work, or energy healing, they may accumulate stale energy and require cleansing sooner.
• If the crystal feels heavy or dull – Some people can sense when a crystal’s energy field feels "off" or less vibrant. This is a sign it needs a cleanse.

If you work with your crystals daily, especially protective crystals like black tourmaline or smoky quartz, consider cleansing them weekly to keep them at their full strength.

The frequency of cleansing depends on how often and intensively the crystal is used:

• Daily Use Crystals: Crystals carried or used daily, such as for protection or grounding, should be cleansed weekly to maintain their potency.
• Occasional Use Crystals: Crystals displayed at home or used sparingly (e.g., during meditations or rituals) benefit from monthly cleansing or after heavy energy work.
• New Crystals: Always cleanse new crystals immediately upon acquisition to clear any lingering energies from their previous handling or environments. This is the first step in building your personal connection with them.

Regular cleansing keeps your crystals energetically fresh and ready to support your intentions.

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What’s the Safest Cleansing Method for All Crystals?

Certain cleansing methods can damage delicate stones, but one method works universally for all crystal types:

Sound Healing (Using Tibetan Singing Bowls or Tuning Forks)

• How It Works: The natural vibrations created by sound healing help break up bad energy within the crystal’s structure without causing physical damage.
• Best Tools for Sound Healing:
  • Tibetan singing bowls – Produces resonating tones that restore a crystal’s flow of energy.
  • Tuning forks – Emits a specific frequency that clears negative energies and rebalances the crystal’s life force energy.
  • Chimes, bells, or even your own voice – Chanting or playing harmonious sounds can also purify a crystal’s energy field.

Sound healing is ideal for delicate stones, porous stones, and powerful stones that may not tolerate water on crystals.

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Can I Cleanse Multiple Crystals at Once?

Yes! Some methods of cleansing allow you to purify an entire collection of crystals in one session.

Best Methods for Cleansing Multiple Crystals Simultaneously:

1. Moonlight Cleansing – Place all your crystals on a windowsill or outside under the full moon for at least 6 hours. The lunar cycle amplifies their energy while naturally cleansing them.
2. Sound Healing – Play a Tibetan singing bowl or strike a tuning fork near your crystals. The vibrational energy will cleanse them all at once.
3. Selenite Charging Plates – Selenite is a self-cleansing crystal that can clear the energy of other stones when they are placed on or near it.
4. Brown Rice Cleansing – If you have a group of protective crystals, you can bury them in a bowl of brown rice for 24 hours. The rice absorbs any unwanted energy from multiple crystals at the same time.

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