You've brought home a beautiful new crystal — now what? Before it takes its place on your shelf or nightstand, it's a lovely little ritual to cleanse it first. Think of it as giving your crystal a fresh start: clearing off the energy of everywhere it's been (the mine, the long journey, all those hands) so it finally feels like yours. Here are five simple ways to cleanse and recharge your crystals — no experience required.
Why cleanse your crystals?
Crystals travel a long way and pass through many hands before they reach you. Cleansing is simply a way to reset them — and, just as importantly, a small ritual that helps you pause and set an intention. Whether you see it as clearing energy or simply a mindful moment, it's a beautiful habit to begin.
1. Smoke — sage or palo santo
The classic. Light a bundle of sage or a stick of palo santo, let it smoke, and gently pass your crystal through it for a few seconds. It smells incredible and instantly turns the moment into a ritual. (Always burn safely, near an open window.)
2. Selenite — the self-cleansing stone
Selenite is magic for this: it cleanses other crystals without ever needing to be cleansed itself. Simply rest your stones on a selenite plate or beside a selenite stick overnight. It's the easiest, lowest-maintenance method — perfect if you're busy.
3. Moonlight
Set your crystals on a windowsill overnight under the moon — a full moon is especially lovely. By morning they'll feel bright and recharged. It's free, gentle, and safe for every crystal.
4. Sound — a singing bowl or bell
Sound is a beautiful way to cleanse several crystals at once. Play a singing bowl, a bell or tingsha chimes near them and let the vibration wash over the stones. Bonus: it's deeply calming for you, too.
5. Running water (with a caution)
A quick rinse under cool running water works for many hardy stones like clear quartz and amethyst. But be careful — soft or water-sensitive crystals should never get wet, including selenite, malachite and calcite. When in doubt, choose smoke, selenite, moonlight or sound instead.
How often should you cleanse crystals?
Cleanse a new crystal when you first bring it home, and then whenever it feels right — after a hard week, before setting a new intention, or roughly once a month. There's no strict rule; let it be intuitive.
Frequently asked questions
Which crystals can't get wet?
Selenite, malachite, calcite and other soft stones. Use smoke, selenite, moonlight or sound for these instead of water.
How do I recharge crystals?
Moonlight and selenite both recharge as they cleanse. You can also rest stones in gentle morning sunlight briefly — but avoid long sun exposure for coloured stones, which can fade.
New to crystals?
Start with our simple beginner's guide to crystals.
Cleansing your crystals takes just a few minutes — and more than anything, it's a gentle invitation to slow down and begin again.
Find sage, palo santo, selenite and singing bowls in The Ritual Room →