How to Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals: A Guide

Crystals are powerful tools for healing, manifestation and spiritual growth, but like all tools, they need regular care to stay effective. Whether you're a seasoned energy worker or just beginning your journey with crystals, cleansing and charging them is essential for maintaining their vibrational integrity. Crystals can absorb energy from their surroundings, and over time, they may become energetically "clogged" or depleted. Cleansing resets the crystal to its natural state, while charging restores its vibrational potency so that it can work at its full energetic capacity.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through different ways to cleanse and charge your crystals, along with when to do it and why it matters.

Why Cleansing and Charging Crystals Is Important

Crystals work with energy, and energy is constantly moving and shifting. Just like you might feel drained after a difficult conversation or uplifted after a walk in nature, your crystals pick up on the energy around them too.  Unconvinced? Here’s why you should cleanse and charge your crystals regularly:

To remove stagnant or negative energy - Especially after use in healing sessions or when worn during emotional times.

To restore their natural vibration - Crystals can become dull or sluggish energetically if not recharged.

To strengthen their connection with you - Cleansing and charging help attune the crystal to your unique energy field.

How to Cleanse Your Crystals

There are many ways to cleanse crystals, and the best method often depends on the type of crystal, your spiritual preferences and your environment. Always research your crystal first as some are sensitive to water or sunlight.

Smoke Cleansing AKA Smudging

Use the smoke of sacred herbs like white sage, palo santo or mugwort to purify your crystals. Simply pass the crystal through the smoke with intention. This is a gentle and effective method for most stones.

Best for: All crystals

Tip: Open a window or door to allow any released energy to exit.

Running Water

Hold your crystal under cold running water from a stream or tap for a few minutes. Visualise the negative energy washing away.

Best for: Hard, non-porous crystals like quartz, amethyst or obsidian

Avoid: Selenite, malachite and any soft or water-soluble crystals

Salt or Saltwater

Salt is a traditional purifier. You can bury your crystals in sea salt or submerge them in saltwater, but only if they are water-safe. Leave them for several hours or overnight.

Best for: Durable, non-porous stones

Avoid: Any stone prone to damage from moisture or abrasiveness

Moonlight

Place your crystals on a windowsill or outside under the full moon. The moon’s energy is cleansing and rejuvenating.

Best for: All crystals

Bonus: Leave them out with a written intention or affirmation to amplify the effect

Sound Cleansing

Use a singing bowl, tuning fork or even your own voice to cleanse your crystals with sound vibrations. This method works on all stones and is especially good for collections.

How to Charge Your Crystals

Charging replenishes the crystal’s energetic “battery.” While cleansing removes old or stagnant energy, charging fills the crystal with high-vibrational energy, often aligned to your intentions.

Sunlight

Place your crystals in direct sunlight for a few hours to infuse them with solar energy. This is ideal for crystals associated with vitality, confidence and masculine energy.

Best for: Citrine, tiger’s eye, carnelian

Avoid: Amethyst, rose quartz or any stone prone to fading in sunlight

Moonlight

The gentle, feminine energy of the moon makes it perfect for charging crystals related to intuition, healing and emotional work.

Best for: Moonstone, selenite, labradorite and any crystal you're using for inner work

Crystal Clusters or Geodes

Some crystals, like clear quartz or amethyst clusters, naturally cleanse and charge other stones. Simply place your crystals on or near the cluster for several hours.

Best for All crystals

Tip: Keep a large quartz cluster on your altar for this purpose

Earth Charging

Bury your crystals in the earth for 24 hours. This reconnects them to nature and can be deeply restorative.

Best for: Grounding stones like smoky quartz, hematite and jasper

Visualisation

Hold your crystal in your hand, close your eyes and visualise it being filled with light and your intention. This method is especially powerful when it is done during meditation.

When Should You Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals?

Here are a few cues that it’s time to cleanse and recharge your crystals:

• After intense use (e.g., energy healing, ritual work or emotionally charged days)

• When the crystal feels dull, heavy or "off"

• During the full moon (a great time for routine cleansing and charging)

• After someone else handles your crystal

• When you first bring a crystal home

Final Thoughts

Cleansing and charging your crystals isn’t just about maintenance. It’s a sacred ritual that deepens your connection with your tools and your spiritual path. Approach it with intention, gratitude and trust in your intuition. Over time, you'll develop your own rhythm and methods that feel right for you.

Remember, crystals are not just beautiful; they are allies in your healing and growth. By caring for them, you’re also caring for your own energetic body and spiritual well-being.