I get asked a lot what cleansing crystals is, and how to do it. If you're new to the world of crystal healing, then you might feel a bit overwhelmed, but this beginners guide will help walk you through the process and help you find your own path. Remember that the journey is different for everyone, and what one person swears by, another might find doesn't work for them at all. Explore and try different things out, and you will find what works for you.

What is Cleansing?

People are often confused by the thought of “cleaning” their crystals, especially when they first buy them – are they not clean already? Do I need to wash them? Cleansing, is in fact completely different to the physical act of cleaning something – we cleanse crystals to clear them of negative energy and restore them.

When Should I Cleanse my Crystals?

Cleanse any crystal that is new to you, to clear it of any impressions of those who may have mined, owned, handled or sold it. If your crystals become dull or feel heavy then they probably need a rest. Keep more than one of your favourite crystal so you can rest them. Cleanse and recharge healing and divination crystals once a week or after intense work. Crystals that absorb negativity in particular will need regular cleansing and recharging, as will those that protect your home and workplace

How do I Cleanse my Crystals?

There are many different ways you can cleanse your crystals. You can use most methods on most crystals, but as some crystals are sensitive to water then you will need to be careful which methods you use for those. Below are some of the most common methods:

Smoke Cleansing

Smoky Cleansing is very popular, and requires typically a bundle of either White Sage or Palo Santo, or you can also use other types of sage, pine or cedar incense. Try circling the crystals with smoke or let them sit in the smoke, go with what feels right to you.

Find our cleansing collection here to get you started.

Moonlight

Leave your crystals out under the light of the moon to cleanse and charge your crystals. The light of the full moon is considered the most powerful. You can also cleanse and charge crystals in the sunlight, but beware that certain crystals can fade in the sunlight, including Amethyst and Fluorite.

Singing bowl

Put your crystals in the singing bowl, then tap it and allow the note to resonate through the stones. You could also do the same with a single crystal and holding a tuning fork next to it.

Water

Being exposed to Nature is a powerful way to cleanse crystals. Ideally you would leave the crystals under the running water of a stream for an hour, but be careful not to do this with water soluble crystals. If you do not have access to a stream then you can hold it under the tap for a few minutes.

Other Crystals

Some crystals have the ability to cleanse other crystals. Selenite, Amethyst and Clear Quartz are particularly good for this. Place the crystal you wish to cleanse in the middle of an amethyst or quartz cluster, or on a piece of Selenite or on a Satin Spar charging plate (available to purchase here)

What Crystals Should I Not Get Wet?

There are some crystals that will dissolve under exposure to water, or start to rust. Angelite and Halite are two that should certainly avoid getting wet, and depending on the acidity of your tap water, many others should too.

The following crystals are safe to cleanse with clean water, along with many others:

• Clear Quartz
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Smokey Quartz
• Rose Quartz
• Tigers Eye
• Agate
• Aventurine
• Amber