Care · Beginners
How to Cleanse Your Crystals (and Which Ones to Keep Away From Water)
Six simple ways to cleanse and recharge your crystals at home, plus the stones that should never get wet.
The Crystal Store · 20 October 2026
In crystal practice, stones are thought to absorb the energy around them, so most healers cleanse them regularly: when they first arrive, after a healing session, or simply whenever they feel “dull”. Every crystal we send is cleansed before it leaves us, but here’s how to keep yours feeling fresh at home.
1. Moonlight
Leave your crystals on a windowsill or outdoors overnight, ideally during a full moon. It is gentle, free and suitable for every stone. Bring them in before strong morning sun if they are colour-sensitive, such as amethyst, rose quartz or fluorite.
2. A selenite plate
Rest your stones and jewellery on a selenite charging plate overnight. Selenite is traditionally believed to cleanse other crystals without needing to be cleansed itself, which makes it the easiest everyday method.
3. Sound
Ring a singing bowl, a tingsha or even a clear bell over your crystals for a minute. The vibration is said to reset their energy. This is ideal for large clusters you cannot easily move.
4. Smoke
Pass your crystals slowly through the smoke of white sage, palo santo or incense. Open a window, use a heatproof dish, and never leave burning herbs unattended.
5. Earth
Bury hardy stones such as quartz, jasper or agate in a plant pot or garden soil for 24 hours. Mark the spot.
6. Running water
A short rinse under the tap works for hard, non-porous stones like clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz, carnelian and tiger’s eye. Dry them thoroughly afterwards.
Never put these in water
Some crystals are soft, porous or contain metals that react with water:
- Selenite: dissolves and loses its shine
- Malachite: contains copper; never soak it or make elixirs
- Pyrite and hematite: can rust
- Lepidolite, fluorite and howlite: soft or porous
- Turquoise and lapis lazuli: porous and can discolour
If you are ever unsure, choose moonlight, sound or selenite. They’re safe for everything.
How often?
There’s no strict rule. Many people cleanse weekly, after an emotional day, or on each full moon. Trust how the stone feels to you.
