Cleansing Crystals: Why It Matters and How to Do It Safely
- Celina
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 26
INTRODUCTION
At the opening of Cosmic Oasis today, one topic came up again and again - how to cleanse crystals. It’s a question I get asked a lot, and for good reason. Cleansing your crystals isn’t just some mystical ritual; it’s a practical step that protects your energy and strengthens your intentions.
THE SCIENCE OF ENERGY & RESIDUE
Everything is made of energy - including crystals. When we program a crystal with a specific intention, we’re embedding energy into it. Over time, or with repeated use, that energy builds up. If we don’t clear it, that residual vibration can interfere with any new intention we try to place. Imagine trying to paint a new picture on a dirty canvas - it’s going to mix with what was already there.
From a scientific perspective, this aligns with what we know about resonance and frequency entrainment - crystals can absorb and amplify energy, but they also hold on to it unless it’s disrupted or neutralized. That’s where cleansing comes in.
THE SPIRITUAL PURPOSE OF CLEANSING
Spiritually, cleansing is a reset. It returns the crystal to its natural state, like wiping away energetic fingerprints. If you’ve ever felt like your crystal wasn’t “working” or felt heavy or off, it may just need a good cleanse.
It’s also a sign of respect. These tools are working alongside us, and clearing them is a way of honouring their purpose and keeping the channel between us clear.
WAYS TO CLEANSE CRYSTALS(AND WHAT TO AVOID)
There are many ways to cleanse crystals, but not every method is safe for every stone. Here are the most common methods:
Smoke (Herbs or Incense)
How: Pass the crystal through the smoke of burning sage, palo santo, or incense.
Safe for: All crystals.
Best for: Quick energy resets or ceremonial cleansing.
Water (Running or Soaked)
How: Rinse under cool water or soak briefly in a bowl.
Not safe for: Selenite, malachite, pyrite, halite, celestite (and other soft or metallic stones - they may dissolve or rust).
Tip: When in doubt, skip water.
Sunlight
How: Leave in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours.
Not safe for: Amethyst, rose quartz, citrine, fluorite (they may fade).
Best for: Energetic refresh and light-based intentions.
Moonlight
How: Place under the full moon overnight.
Safe for: All crystals.
Best for: Emotional or feminine energy work.
Salt (Dry or Saltwater)
How: Bury in a bowl of dry sea salt or soak in saltwater.
Not safe for: Soft or porous stones (selenite, lapis lazuli, calcite, etc.)
Best for: Deep energetic purification.
Sound
How: Use singing bowls, tuning forks, or bells.
Safe for: All crystals.
Best for: Group cleansing or when you want to raise the vibration in a space.
Earth
How: Bury crystals in the soil overnight.
Safe for: Most stones, but avoid this with delicate or water-sensitive ones.
Best for: Grounding or reconnecting with natural energy.
Selenite (My Go-To)
If you’re like me and can never remember which stones are water-safe or fade in the sun - selenite is your best friend.
I use selenite to cleanse all my crystals because:
It’s self-cleansing (no maintenance needed!)
It can cleanse other crystals just by being near them
It’s safe for every crystal, no matter the material
I keep a selenite plate and wand in my sacred space and just place my other stones on or near it overnight when I need a reset. Simple and effective.
CLEANSING VS. CHARGING
Before we wrap up, here’s something important to remember: cleansing is not the same as charging.
Cleansing removes energy that doesn’t belong there.
Charging fills the crystal with aligned energy or intention.
Think of cleansing like wiping a whiteboard clean. Charging is what you write on it after. You can - and should - do both, but they serve different purposes.
Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll dive into how to charge your crystals intentionally and effectively.
Let your crystals rest, reset, and shine their clearest light.
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