How to Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals: A Complete Guide
“Crystals are living beings at the beginning of creation. They have stored within them the secrets of the ages.” – Nikola Tesla
Here’s my take on crystals:
Everything is energy. Everything contains one or more energies in various concentrations and combinations. Crystals are nature’s most orderly structure, able to store a massive amount of information, and have a high concentration of specific materials that hold specific energies.
Crystals are essential in everyday technology, powering microchips, lasers, and solar panels (for starters). They bring the same power to support energy and healing work, and having their concentrated energies in your energy field can support a variety of intentions. Note: this is one of those "grey science" spaces that I love so much: not scientifically proven yet, but known by many. Take it or leave it, the most important thing is if it resonates for you.
They are absolutely not critical to healing, but can be very helpful. I think of it this way: you can get a high dose of vitamin C from eating a few oranges, but you can get it more easily and efficiently by taking a concentrated tablet.
They can also serve as a physical reminder and literal “touchstone” of your intentions.
And they’re pretty. 🤷🏻♀️
WHY CLEANSING AND CHARGING ARE IMPORTANT
Crystals' ability to store huge amounts of information makes them powerful tools for healing and growth, but it also means they can become energetically “clogged,” holding heavy or negative energies that are not beneficial to them or their intended purpose. Cleansing restores them to their natural state, while charging infuses them with fresh, vibrant energy. Together, these practices ensure your crystal's energy is ready to support your intentions and full potential. Luckily, there are many different ways to cleanse and charge your crystals, try a few and choose the best way for you.
HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR CRYSTALS
1. Tap Water and Ocean Water
One of the easiest ways to cleanse crystals is by using running water, or a natural body of water. Rinse your crystal under cool tap water, or, if you’re near the sea, immerse it in ocean water. The natural minerals in sea salt make ocean water a great way to remove negative energy and return your crystal to its natural state.
💡 Tip: Avoid this method for porous stones like selenite or calcite, as water can damage them.
2. Salt Water
Salt water is an effective way to cleanse your crystals. Dissolve sea salt in a bowl of water and submerge your crystals for a few hours. The salt helps to draw out any lingering negative energy.
💡 Caution: Always check your crystal’s sensitivity to water before using this method. Some stones, like clear quartz, are durable, while others are too delicate (just ask my now-speckled selenite wand...)
3. Sage or Palo Santo
Smoke clearing with (ethically grown and harvested) sage or palo santo is a powerful tool for crystal cleansing. Simply light the sage or palo santo and pass your crystal through the smoke.
4. Brown Rice
Placing your crystals in a bowl of uncooked brown rice is another safe way to cleanse them. This method is particularly gentle, making it suitable for all types of crystals. The rice absorbs the negative energy, and you can easily dispose of it afterward.
5. Sound Vibrations and Sound Waves
Using sound vibrations from a tuning fork, singing bowl, or bell is an effective way to cleanse your crystals. The sound waves pass through the crystal, breaking up stagnant energy and resetting it to its natural state. This is a great way to cleanse multiple crystals at once.
You can also find a song with a cleansing frequency (Spotify has many), and place your crystals in front of the speaker.
6. Full Moon’s Light or Moon Water
Place your crystals somewhere they will be directly exposed to the full moon’s light: outside in a safe area is great, but on a windowsill that will receive moonlight through the window works well too.
While you’re at it, make some moon water, and use it to cleanse your crystals all month long.
Note: Do NOT charge or cleanse your crystals in the light of a full moon eclipse. Eclipse energy is unpredictable and erratic, and not ideal for cleansing or manifesting.
7. Quick Cleanse with Your Own Energy
Hold the crystal in your hands, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Visualize any negative energy leaving the crystal and being replaced by your positive energy. If you feel called, blow on it. This is the easiest way to perform a quick cleanse wherever you are.
HOW TO CHARGE YOUR CRYSTALS
1. Full Moon’s Light
The light of a full moon is my favorite way to charge crystals. Simply place them in a safe area where they can absorb the moon’s energy overnight. This charging method works for all types of crystals and is especially effective for those tied to intuition and emotional healing, like rose quartz.
💡 Tip: This method can clear and charge your crystals at the same time.
Note: Do NOT charge or cleanse your crystals in the light of a full moon eclipse. Eclipse energy is unpredictable and erratic, and not great for cleansing or manifesting.
2. Sunlight
Sunlight is another natural charging method. Leave your crystals in the sun for a few hours to infuse them with warmth and vitality. Be cautious with brightly colored stones, as prolonged exposure can fade them.
3. Tuning Fork or Singing Bowl
Using sound vibrations from a tuning fork, singing bowl, or bell is a great way to charge your crystals. The sound waves pass through the crystal, infusing it with the frequency of the sound. Pro tip: if possible, choose a tone that supports your desired intention. This is a great way to charge multiple crystals at once.
💡 Tip: This method can clear and charge your crystals at the same time. If you can choose the frequency of the tone (like with a tuning fork, singing bowl, or song) first choose a cleansing frequency (to clear), then one that supports your desired intention (to charge). (Spotify has many)
4. Earth Burial
Bury your crystals in soil to recharge them with the Earth’s grounding energy. Leave them for a day or longer, then rinse off any dirt to reveal their renewed vibrancy.
5. Intention Setting
Hold your crystal in your hands and set a new intention for it. Speak your desire aloud or visualize the outcome. I like to imagine my right (giving) hand is sending the energy through the crystal to my left (receiving) hand. This can infuse your crystal with specific energy tailored to your goals.
The Best Time to Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals
The best time for cleansing and charging is whenever you’ll do it! I prefer to do it on a full moon, so I can cleanse and charge my crystals, and make a batch of moon water at the same time to use throughout the month. A quick cleanse with tap water or smoke “as needed” when your crystal feels heavy or stagnant may work better for you.
Tips for Maintaining Your Crystals’ Energy
Store in a Safe Area: Keep your crystals in a space free from heavy traffic and clutter.
Regular Cleansing: Incorporate crystal cleansing into your weekly or monthly routines.
Combine Methods: For a deeper cleanse, combine methods. My favorite combo is to pour some sea salt in my hand, and visualize the negative energy leaving as I run the stone and salt under tap water. Then I do a quick intention setting to charge it.
Respect Porous Stones: Always consider the crystal’s physical properties to avoid damage.
CONCLUSION
Crystals are powerful tools that, when properly cleansed and charged, can support your energy, intentions, and overall well-being. Their ability to store, amplify, and direct energy makes them incredibly useful, but just like any tool, they need maintenance to function at their best. By integrating regular cleansing and charging practices into your routine, you ensure that your crystals remain energetically clear and aligned with your purpose.
Whether you prefer the moon’s gentle glow, the grounding embrace of the earth, or the resonance of sound vibrations, choose the method that feels right for you. The most important thing is consistency—treat your crystals with care, and they’ll continue to support you in return.
And if nothing else, they’re just plain beautiful. ✨