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How Do You Cleanse and Charge Crystals Safely?

By Digital Towns Crystals ยท Last reviewed October 7, 2026

Short answer: in crystal traditions, "cleansing" a crystal means clearing it of energy it is believed to have absorbed, and "charging" means renewing it, usually with moonlight, sunlight, sound, smoke, water, salt, a selenite plate or a simple intention. Those are beliefs, not measurable processes. What is real is that some methods damage some stones: water dissolves selenite and harms pyrite and malachite, sunlight fades amethyst and rose quartz, and salt and acids etch soft stones. The safest traditional methods are moonlight and sound; for actual dirt, most hard stones need only warm water and mild soap.

Cleaning vs cleansing

Two different things share similar names:

  • Cleaning removes dust, skin oils and dirt. It is physical, and every stone needs it now and then.
  • Cleansing and charging are rituals from crystal traditions. They are believed to clear and restore a stone's energy. There is no scientific evidence that crystals hold or lose energy, and in tests people reported the same sensations with real and fake crystals.

Many people still enjoy cleansing as a ritual, a moment to handle and appreciate their stones. The key is to choose a method that will not harm the stone.

Traditional cleansing and charging methods

Moonlight

Crystals are set on a windowsill or outdoors overnight, often at the full moon, and brought in by morning. Moonlight is the gentlest light method and safe for nearly any stone, as long as stones that fade are brought in before strong morning sun. A windowsill works, so water-sensitive stones can stay indoors and dry.

Sound

A singing bowl, tuning fork, bell or even a hand clap is sounded near the stones for a minute or two. Nothing touches the stone, so sound is safe for every crystal.

Smoke

Smoke from sage, palo santo or incense is passed over the stones for about 30 to 60 seconds. It does not harm stones, but keep flames away and ventilate the room.

Selenite plates and bowls

Stones are rested on or in a selenite plate or bowl, believed in crystal traditions to cleanse and charge whatever sits on it. Selenite itself must stay dry, so never put wet stones on it.

Sunlight

A short time in sunlight is used to "charge" stones. This is the riskiest light method: sunlight fades amethyst, smoky quartz, celestite, fluorite, natural citrine and transparent pink quartz, and sudden heat can crack stones with inclusions.

Running water

Stones are held under running water, sometimes in a stream. Water is fine for most quartz-family stones but harmful to others; see the list below.

Salt

Stones are nestled in a bowl of dry sea salt for a few hours, or soaked in salt water. Salt draws moisture and is the method most likely to cause damage: it can scratch soft stones, dull polished surfaces and corrode crystals with metallic inclusions. Avoid it entirely for malachite, pyrite, hematite, selenite, opal and fluorite.

Earth

Stones are buried in a pot of soil for a day or more, then rinsed and dried. Avoid it for water-sensitive stones.

Intention

Many people simply hold the stone and state an intention. It needs no tools and harms nothing.

Which stones should not get wet?

From our stone guides:

  • Selenite: soft gypsum that water dissolves and dulls. Keep it dry and dust it.
  • Celestite: slightly soluble in water; keep it dry and out of strong sun.
  • Pyrite: moisture makes it decay into iron oxides and sulfuric acid. Keep it dry.
  • Malachite: soft and acid-sensitive; wipe with a damp cloth and dry at once.
  • Calcite: soft and dissolves in acids; a quick rinse is fine, but avoid soaking and never use vinegar.
  • Fluorite: soft, with cleavage; a brief lukewarm rinse at most, and no temperature shocks.
  • Bismuth: keep it dry; scrubbing wears off the rainbow film.

Which stones should stay out of the sun?

  • Amethyst can fade with prolonged strong light.
  • Smoky quartz fades with heat and ultraviolet light.
  • Celestite is reported to fade, sometimes to near white.
  • Natural citrine is sensitive to ultraviolet light.
  • Transparent pink quartz crystals can lose their color.
  • Fluorite colors can fade over time in direct sun.

How do you physically clean crystals?

  • Hard stones such as clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz, citrine, agate, jasper, carnelian, tiger's eye, aventurine and black tourmaline: warm water and mild soap, a soft brush, then dry thoroughly.
  • Soft or water-sensitive stones: a soft, dry brush or a barely damp cloth, dried at once.
  • Clusters and points: a soft brush or compressed air reaches between crystals; protect the points.
  • Avoid harsh cleaners, vinegar, bleach and ultrasonic cleaners unless a stone's guide says they are safe.

What does science say?

There is no scientific evidence that crystals absorb, store or release energy, or that any method cleanses or charges them. In a 1999 study, people meditating with real quartz and with an identical fake reported the same sensations, which suggests the experience comes from expectation and attention. Cleansing rituals are traditions; physical cleaning is what actually keeps stones looking their best.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you cleanse a crystal?

In crystal traditions, the gentlest methods are moonlight, sound, smoke, a selenite plate or a simple intention. For actual dirt, use warm water and mild soap on hard stones, and a dry brush on soft or water-sensitive ones.

How do you charge a crystal?

Traditionally with moonlight, especially at the full moon, brief sunlight, a selenite plate or by holding it with an intention. Avoid sunlight for stones that fade.

Can amethyst go in water?

Yes. Amethyst is hard quartz and can be washed with warm water and mild soap. Keep it out of strong sunlight, which can fade it.

Can selenite go in water?

No. Selenite is soft gypsum that water dissolves and dulls. Dust it with a soft, dry brush.

How do you cleanse rose quartz?

Rose quartz is hard quartz and handles water and mild soap. For a traditional cleanse, moonlight, sound or smoke are safe. Keep transparent pink quartz crystals out of strong sun.

Does cleansing crystals really work?

There is no scientific evidence that crystals hold energy or that cleansing changes them. People value the ritual; physical cleaning is what keeps stones in good condition.

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