How to Cleanse Crystals: 7 Effective Methods for Different Stones

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Crystals absorb energy from their surroundings, which is why regular cleansing is essential! Whether you’re a seasoned crystal healer or a beginner, knowing how to cleanse crystals properly ensures they remain energetically vibrant. In this guide, we’ll explore 7 powerful cleansing techniques, plus tips on choosing the right method for different types of stones.

I am pretty terrible about cleansing my crystals on a regular basis.

If I have been using a crystal for a certain intention or spell and then want to use it for something else; that is pretty much the only time I cleanse them.  I used to put them out on a window sill during the full moon but it hasn’t been a priority as of late.

Having my crystals on display brings me joy.  I have them on my desk, my altar, my bookshelf. They are everywhere.  I don’t think there is a single room in my house that does not have at least 1 crystal in it.  Because of this, the idea of cleansing by the moon cycle is overwhelming.  I have too many crystals and not enough window sills!

While I highly recommend cleansing your crystals, I understand that other aspects of life may be more important. And that is ok!

You must do what works best for you.

Looking for more information about crystal magic? Check out my guide to crystals for beginners.

Crystal Cleansing Warning

Before we begin, there are certain crystals that you need to be careful with when cleansing.  Some crystals should not get wet or be soaked in water.  The Book of Stones is a wonderful resource to understand your crystals.

Even if you crystal is water safe, you still need to be mindful of temperature. Thermal shock could result in crystals cracking.

• Don’t put cold crystals into hot water
• Don’t put warm crystals into cold water

Alternatively, some crystals should not be placed in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.  It could cause discolouration or cause the crystals to become brittle.

Why Should You Cleanse Your Crystals?

Crystals are more than just beautiful stones—they are energy conduits, absorbing vibrations from their surroundings, including emotions, thoughts, and environmental energy. Over time, they can become energetically “full” or weighed down by stagnant or negative energy, which can diminish their healing properties. Cleansing helps restore their natural vibrational frequency, ensuring they work at their highest potential.

Here are the main reasons why regular cleansing is essential:

Crystals Absorb Energy from Their Environment

• Whether worn as jewelry, used in meditation, or displayed in your home, crystals interact with energy fields.
• They can pick up negativity, stress, or emotional residue from people and places.
• Cleansing helps reset them to their natural state, free from any lingering unwanted energy.

I have a black onyx charm that I wear as a necklace when I know I am going to need some protection magic surrounding me.  While I am not consistent with most of my crystals for regular cleansing, this piece of jewelry gets cleaned after every wear.  It is worn for a very particular reason and I do not want that energy remaining in my home.  Sometimes I will even cleanse this necklace before coming back into my home to leave the energy outside for nature to neutralize.

Maximizing the Healing and Metaphysical Properties

• Each crystal has unique properties, such as protection, love, clarity, or grounding.
• A crystal filled with old or negative energy may not be as effective in its intended purpose.
• Regular cleansing allows the crystal to function at its full capacity.

Preparing New Crystals for Use

• When you acquire a new crystal, it has traveled through many hands, shops, and environments.
• Cleansing clears any energy it may have picked up along the way.
• This allows you to program it with your own intentions and connect more deeply with it.

This situation is a non-negotiable for cleansing work for me.  Just like you should wash new underwear when you bring it home from the store before putting it next to your sensitive bits, you should also cleanse new crystals you bring into your life.

You don’t know who has been touching them and you want to make sure any energy from others has been removed.

Enhancing Meditation and Energy Work

• Many people use crystals to enhance spiritual practices, energy healing, and manifestation work.
• A cleansed crystal is more responsive to your intentions and vibrates at a higher frequency.
• This ensures a clearer, more aligned experience during meditation, Reiki, or chakra balancing.

Maintaining a Balanced and Harmonious Space

• Crystals are often used in home décor to promote positivity and balance.
• If not cleansed regularly, they may start to hold onto dense or chaotic energy.
• Keeping them purified ensures they continue radiating uplifting and protective energy in your space.

This particularly applies to your home if you frequently have visitors to your home – especially if you are a parent.  Some people carry with them chaotic energy.  Your crystals may hold onto this energy.  If you are feeling like something is off about the crystals you use for decor – try cleansing them.  They may be holding onto the energy of a visitor or even from a bad day you had last week.

Strengthening Your Connection to Your Crystals

• Cleansing rituals create a mindful moment to connect with your stones.
• This practice deepens your bond with them and enhances their impact in your life.
• A well-cared-for crystal becomes a powerful ally in your spiritual journey.

Change of Intention

• This applied mostly to crystals that you have set an intention for – mainly through spellwork.
• Cleansing helps reset them to their natural state, ready to be used for another intention or spell
• Cleansing rituals can act as a reset button

When you are ready to work with a crystal for a different purpose, cleansing is important.  It acts as a reset and allows you to shift the intention with that crystal.  This is important for both the crystal and you as it allows the process to start over with fresh energy.

By regularly cleansing your crystals, you ensure they remain energetically vibrant and ready to support your intentions. 

7 Effective Methods to Cleanse Crystals

There are several ways to cleanse crystals, and the best method depends on the type of crystal, its hardness, and your personal preference. Below, we’ll explore seven powerful cleansing techniques, their benefits, and which crystals they’re best suited for.

Visualization

Visualization may be the best overall way to cleanse your crystals.  It is safe for all crystals and is free!  No special tools required.

How to Use This Method:

• Visualize a white light coming from the sun, the moon, or the ground.
• Allow that light to flow into the crystal, absorbing the pure white light energy.
• See it cleansing the crystal and purifying it of any negative energy.

Water

Water is a natural purifier, washing away unwanted energy and restoring a crystal’s vibrational clarity.  It is best for hard crystals.

How to Use This Method:

• Hold the crystal under running water or place it in a bowl of water.
• Visualize the negative energy being washed away.
• Pat dry with a soft cloth.

Best Crystals for This Method:
Quartz family (Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Rose Quartz), Jasper, Agate, Tiger’s Eye

Crystals to Avoid:

⚠️ Water-soluble stones like Selenite, Malachite, Pyrite, and Lapis Lazuli

Smoke Cleanse with Sage, Palo Santo, or Incense

Smoke cleansing is a traditional method that clears negative energy from crystals and your space. This method is safe for all crystals.

How to Use This Method:

• Light a bundle of sage, Palo Santo, or incense.
• Hold the crystal in the smoke for 30-60 seconds.
• Set an intention for cleansing as the smoke surrounds the stone.

Moonlight Charging

The energy of the full moon is one of the safest and most effective ways to cleanse and recharge crystals.  This method of cleansing crystals is safe for all crystals.

How to Use This Method:

• Place crystals outside or on a windowsill overnight, preferably during a full moon.
• Leave them for a few hours (or overnight) to absorb lunar energy.
• Retrieve them in the morning before direct sunlight.

Sunlight Cleansing

The sun’s energy is a strong purifier, but some crystals can fade with prolonged exposure.  Crystals that are from the quarts family but have colours, like amethyst, citrine, or smokey quartz, can fade if left in the sun.  Use caution when leaving your crystals in direct sunlight.

How to Use This Method:

• Place crystals in a spot with gentle morning sunlight for 30 minutes to a few hours.
• Avoid harsh midday sun, which may be too intense.

Burying in Earth

The earth is a natural energy cleanser, helping to neutralize and recharge crystals. Burying crystals can help reset the natural energies of the crystal.

How to Use This Method:

• Bury the crystal in the soil (either in your garden or a potted plant).
• Leave it buried for at least 24 hours to a week.
• Rinse off any dirt before using again.

If you don’t want to bury your crystal directly in the soil, place it in a small cotton (or natural fiber) cloth bag before burying.

Sound Cleansing

Sound vibrations help break up stagnant energy, making this an excellent method for cleansing large collections or fragile crystals. This method is safe for all crystals.  Sound cleansing is also great for a large collection of crystals.  You can cleanse all the crystals in the same space all at once.

How to Use This Method:

• Use a Tibetan singing bowl, tuning fork, chimes, clapping, or bells.
• Strike the bowl or chime and let the sound waves wash over your crystals.
• Any sound or musical instrument of your choice can work.

How Often Should You Cleanse Your Crystals?

The frequency of which you cleanse your crystals will depend on a few factors.

If you are frequently relying on the energy of a crystal, you may need to cleanse it more frequently than a crystal that is used less.  If you have a crystal you are using every day, you may choose to cleanse it more often.

Some people enjoy the ritual of monthly maintenance for their crystals.  This gives them time to connect with their crystals and embrace the ritual of a monthly act.

If you have a crystal that feels off – whether it feels heavier than it should or looks dull, it may be worth taking some time to cleanse that crystal.  They will let you know when it is time.

There is no definite answer to how often you should cleanse your crystals.  You have to do what works for you, your schedule, and how you use your crystals.

Cleansing Crystals

Cleansing your crystals is essential for maintaining their healing and energetic properties. With these 7 methods, you can choose the best way to cleanse your crystals based on their type and purpose. 

Make crystal cleansing a regular part of your spiritual practice to keep your stones radiating with positive energy!