How to Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals

There’s a lot of advice online about how to cleanse and charge your crystals.

Some of it is helpful. Some of it is confusing. And some of it, in all honesty, can damage the crystals themselves if you’re not careful.

I’m not strict about rules when it comes to this. But I do think it’s important to understand the stone you’re working with, because not all crystals respond well to the same methods.

Do crystals actually need cleansing?

You don’t need a rigid routine. For me, cleansing is more about awareness than a schedule. If I’ve used a crystal during a heavy or emotional time, or it’s been sitting in a busy space, I’ll reset it. Other times, I’ll pick one up and just know it needs clearing. It’s simple and intuitive.

How I actually cleanse and ‘charge’ my crystals

This is what I use day to day, both at home and in sessions.

Running water, but only for the right stones

I do run some crystals under the tap. But only when I know they can handle it. Harder, more stable stones like quartz or polished stones tend to be fine with water. It can be a really simple way to clear them quickly. But not all crystals should go anywhere near water.

Anything softer, porous, layered, or containing metals can be damaged. Over time, water can cause cracking, dulling, or even break down the structure of the stone. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to avoid water.

Sunlight, with care

I do use sunlight, but gently. Morning or late afternoon light works well. I wouldn’t leave crystals sitting in strong sunlight all day.

Some stones will fade or bleach over time if they’re exposed to harsh light.

This includes:

• Amethyst

• Fluorite

• Celestite

• Rose Quartz

• Citrine

Citrine is often thought of as a “sun stone”, but prolonged direct sunlight can actually dull its colour. As a simple rule, if a crystal is brightly coloured or delicate, keep it out of strong midday sun.

Moonlight, the easiest option

Moonlight is one of the safest and simplest ways to cleanse and charge crystals.

I’ll often place a few pieces on a windowsill overnight and leave them there.

It doesn’t need to be a full moon, but that is the most powerful.

It’s more about the moment you choose to pause and reset them.

Smoke cleansing with palo santo

This is what I use most often. It’s quick, gentle, and fits easily into my day-to-day work. I light the palo santo, let it smoulder, and pass the smoke around the crystal while holding a clear intention. That’s it. It doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

What I don’t do: salt water or seawater

This is one of the most common tips, and one I personally don’t follow.

Salt water can be very harsh on crystals. It can erode softer stones, dull polished surfaces, and damage anything with natural layers or inclusions. It can also affect any metal in jewellery.

If you want to bring in that element, a gentler option is to place your crystals beside a bowl of water rather than putting them in it.

Rethinking ‘charging’

Charging isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about how you actually use your crystals. How often you hold them. Sit with them. Work with them in a real, consistent way. That connection matters far more than whether you caught a full moon or followed a specific method.

A simple approach that works

You don’t need lots of steps. A combination of gentle light, smoke cleansing, and intention is more than enough. And when it comes to water or sunlight, a bit of care goes a long way.

If you want to understand your crystals properly

Most of the confusion around cleansing comes from not knowing how different crystals behave. That’s something I go into in much more detail in my crystal courses.

In my Introduction to Everything Crystal course, I cover how to work with different stones safely, how to cleanse and use them properly, and how to start building your own practice in a way that feels natural and grounded.

If you’ve ever felt unsure or overwhelmed by all the advice out there, this is a really good place to start.