A Beginner’s Guide to Cleansing, and Charging Crystals

Many people use these form of stones to decorate their space with the intentions to uplift the energy to soothe their mind, body, and spirit. It is said that crystals work on an energetic level, attracting, or sending, natural vibrations out into the world.

Crystals often travel long distances, from source to seller, before a purchase is made. Each transition exposes the stone to energies that may be misaligned with your own.

And when used for healing, these crystals are said to absorb or redirect the energy you're desire to attract or release.

Regularly cleansing and recharging your crystals is the only way to restore your crystal to its natural state. This act of care may renew and refresh your own sense of purpose.

Read on to learn about some of the most common cleansing methods, how to align a crystal with your intention, and more...

1. Natural Light - Sun & Moon 

Set your crystal out before night fall and bring them in before noon. This will allow your crystal(s) to soak up the energy of the moon and sun. 

Long duration of direct sunlight may deteriorate the color of the stone, research the stone exposure to sun. 

If you’re able to, place your crystal(s) directly on the earth, ensure they will not disturbed by wildlife or passerby. If you are not able to do so, placing it on a window seal or balcony, as long as there is direct light. 

Approximate duration: 10-12 hours 

Don’t use this for: vibrant crystals, such as any Quartz, includes Rose Quartz, Citrine, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz

2. Running Water

Place the stone under running water to neutralize negative energy returning it back to earth. 
Find a natural stream of running water is best for cleansing with water, but you can also rinse your crystal under the faucet. 
Ensure that your stone is completely submerged. Pat dry when complete. 

Approximate duration: 1 minute per stone

Use this for: Hard stones

Don’t use this for: Stones that are brittle or soft, such as selenite, kyanite, and halite.

3. Smudging/Smoke

Smudging your stone is said to clear in harmony‘s vibrations and restore its natural energy. 

A common plant used to smudge is called, Sage. It is a sacred plant with a multitude of healing properties to cleanse and purify energies. 

What you will need:

• A fire safe bowl
• A lighter or matches
• Loose or bundle sacred plant such as sage, palo santos, cedar wood, etc.

It is recommended to smudge outdoors, if you are unable to, make sure you’re near an open window. This will allow the smoke and negative energies disperse into the earth.

When you are ready, ignite the tip of the sage with the flame, firmly grasp your crystal and move it through the smoke. Allow the smoke to envelop the crystal for about 30 seconds if it’s been a while since your last cleansing or you feel the need to hold onto the crystal a little longer consider smudging for additional 30 seconds.

Approximate duration: 30 to 60 seconds per stone

Use this for: Any stone

4. Dirt, Rice, & Salt

Dirt, rice, and salt has been used throughout history to absorb unwanted energy and vanished negatively.

Collect a bowl of fresh dirt, rice, or salt. Make sure your crystal is completely submerged, allow the stone to soak for a few hours to a few days a time.

Approximate duration: Up to 48 hours

Use this for: Hard stones such as Quartz and Amethyst

5. Sound Frequency

Sound healing allows a specific pitch or tone to surround over an area, bringing it into the same frequency as the tone.

This can be accomplished by using chanting, singing bowls, tuning forks, or even a bell, it doesn’t matter what the key sound is as long as loud enough for the vibration to fully encompass the stone. This method is ideal for collectors who have large volume of crystals that are not easily moved. 

Approximate duration: 5 to 10 minutes

Used for this: Any crystal 

6. Other Stones

There are many stones that can be great tools for clearing such as Amethyst, Quartz, and Selenite. 

Place the stone directly inside or on top of any of the stone.  

Approximate duration: 24 hours

Use this for: Any crystal  

7. Breath & Visualization

Breath and visualization is considered the safest way to cleanse stones. The more in tune you are with your self, the easier it may be to re-directed energy to stone you want to restore.

To get started hold a stone in your dominant hand, focus on your intention for a moment, deep inhale through your nostrils, bring the stone closer to your face, exhale, deep breaths through the nose, visualize your hand radiating white light, see the light surround the stone, feel it grow, brighter, in your hands. Envision the stone flushing out the stone, allowing the stone to shine brighter with renewed purpose, continue the visualization until you feel the energy attuned to your desire.

8. Program & Intention

It is important to take the time to set an intention for the crystal. It can help you connect with the energy and restore with your own sense of purpose. Build an intention to connect with the stone, speak to the crystal silently or verbally - ask for assistance in working through your current endeavors. Get comfortable with holding the stone in your hand as you meditate, you can also lay down- allow the stone to rest on the corresponding chakra or the area of the body you wish to work with.

Share your gratitude and thank the stone for its presences then spend a few minutes in meditation. 

If your stone feels heavier than expected, lost its shine, or it may benefit from an energetic activation, try sending it some of your own energy by speaking to it, singing to it, or surrounding it with life force energy- a little interaction can go along the way.