Crystal Care Guide: Cleansing, Charging & Safety Tips

This doesn't have to be complicated! I understand that many people worry about doing crystal care "right." There is a lot of conflicting information out there, which leaves us feeling overwhelmed. I'm going to keep this article very simple. Over time and with experience, you will naturally evolve with the process and do what feels right for you and your crystals.

Crystals and minerals collect dust. They get dirty, just like humans! They also absorb energy, and over time, they can get pretty mucky, both physically and energetically. 

My care routine focuses on the Three C's: Cleaning, Cleansing, and Charging.

Physical cleaning removes dust, dirt, and fingerprints that can dull a crystal's beautiful surface.

The Dry Method (Safest for All)

To clean my collection, I use a feather brush, different sizes of soft-bristled paintbrushes, and a bamboo cloth. I brush the crystals with one of the brushes, freeing them from dust, and I use the bamboo cloth to polish the crystals if needed. I really enjoy using the paintbrushes; it can feel like painting a masterpiece. This soft cloth method is considered the safest for all crystals.

The Water Caution: When to Avoid

I rarely use water to clean or cleanse my crystals, and I only advise it if you know what you're doing. I especially don't advise using salt water, as salt's abrasive and corrosive properties can permanently damage, dissolve, or etch many stones.

Please note: Water is corrosive to many crystals and minerals. Many people who sell crystals will tell you to refer to the Mohs hardness scale, but this is a hardness test, not a water-soluble test. Many crystals hate water (such as Selenite, which can dissolve , and Malachite, which can react with water to produce toxic substances ), so it is always safer to use a dry method if you are unsure. Urge on the side of caution and use a different method.

I will use warm water on Clear Quartz and its associated brothers and sisters, such as Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, and Citrine, as these are hard, non-porous crystals that are generally safe. Sometimes, I might add a drop or two of organic soap (with no chemicals). Imagine yourself in a nice bath; some crystals enjoy precisely the same treatment! Make sure to rinse them free of any residue if you use soap. You can leave them to dry naturally or pat or rub them dry yourself. I use a bamboo cloth to polish them afterwards. The crystals will 'feel' more beautiful in themselves. I liken the process to a nice bath or shower with some pampering afterwards

Energetic cleansing is essential because crystals absorb and store surrounding energy and vibrations, which need to be regularly cleared to keep their frequency high.

The Power of Intention

Before I tell you how I cleanse crystals, I want to discuss working with intention. When working with crystals, having a clear intention is very important. Our intention is that we want to cleanse our crystals so that they are free of any absorbed energy. During the cleansing process, hold this intention in your mind.

Take your time and enjoy the cleanse. Crystals deserve respect, so we show them that by being fully present while cleansing. Cleansing your crystals can be a very sacred and ceremonial experience. The way you decide to cleanse your crystals is absolutely the perfect way.

Popular Cleansing Methods

The method I use more than anything else is burning White Sage and 'smudging' my crystals.

• Smoke Cleansing (Smudging): Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of energetic cleansing. You will need a fireproof bowl (I like to use an Abalone shell). Light your White Sage, get a flame going, and after a little while, gently blow the flame out. You should have a nice stream of smoke. Hold your crystals over the smoke and use a feather or your hand to waft the smoke over your crystals. You can cleanse them one at a time or in big batches.
  
  White Sage, Abalone Shells, and feathers are available in my shop.
  
  

• Sound Cleansing: I use Tingsha bells, tuning forks, and a singing bowl. Crystals seem to like the high vibrational frequencies, so a clear, crisp chime of the Tingshas is perfect. Create your sound in whichever way suits you, and move the crystals through the vibrations. It's as easy as that.
  
  

• Other Methods: Those who practice Reiki use the Cho Ku Rei symbol, which is a very effective way of cleansing. Finally, if you are absolutely certain that your crystals can withstand water, cleansing them in a natural water source is a very nice way to cleanse them. If you can get access to a stream, river, or ocean, take your crystals on a journey and give them a loving cleanse in the healing waters of the earth.
  
  

For all of these methods, remember your intention is essential.

Crystals can get tired, just like us. They work very hard. They appreciate a good charge of new, clean energy from natural sources. You can often tell if a crystal needs cleansing and charging just by looking at it. Remember, how you decide to charge your crystals is absolutely the perfect way.

Using Natural Light (Moonlight is Safest)

One of my favourite ways of charging crystals is to lay them out under a Full Moon. This is widely cited as the best method for charging and cleansing all crystals. Don't worry if you can't see the Moon due to cloud cover; this will not stop the energy from reaching your crystals.

• Sunlight Warning: There is nothing nicer than seeing your crystals bathe in the sun. However, please be aware that some crystals will fade in colour if left for too long in direct sunlight. This is critical for stones like Amethyst , Rose Quartz , Aventurine , and Smoky Quartz. If you're unsure, it is best to use the moon charge.

• Fire Risk: I do need to talk about the dangers involved here. I speak from experience when I tell you that direct sunlight and Quartz don't mix well! I nearly lost my home once from leaving my Quartz sphere in direct sunlight. I was lucky to be home at the time! Do not place any Quartz on windowsills that receive direct sunlight.

Using Crystal Companions and Earth

Other methods of charging are very similar to how we cleanse crystals:

• Crystal Companions: Other crystals can also charge other crystals. Using a cluster bed (like a large Clear Quartz cluster) is a great way to help charge crystals, and they're great at giving my crystal jewellery a good freshen-up. Selenite charging plates are excellent, as Selenite is known for its self-cleansing properties and ability to charge other crystals simply by proximity.

• Earth Burial: You can also bury crystals in the ground. I do this often with Clear Quartz and Smoky Quartz, as they absorb a lot of energy and appreciate a deep cleanse and charge from Mother Earth. As with the water advisory, only do this if you know that the crystal can withstand damp conditions. If you do use this method, be sure to put a marker where you buried them.

• Reiki: For the Reiki initiated, your Reiki will do the trick. Reiki is an excellent way of charging crystals.

Your crystal collection is a powerful energetic investment. By following these three simple steps...Cleaning, Cleansing, and Charging, you ensure your crystals maintain their high vibration and remain perfectly aligned with your personal intentions.

Need the right tools for your routine? Browse my collection of Selenite Charging Plates, Smudging Bundles, and high-vibration Quartz Clusters today to keep your energy high.