One of my favorite childhood memories was exploring my dad’s rose quarts garden. It was my happy place and evoked a powerful sense of peace and serenity that lingers up to today.
Although, it has taken me years to realize that crystals need to be cleaned to release all their pent-up energy and bring them back to life. Especially when I use them daily.
After all, they are living organisms that need to be nourished. And if they are not cleared, you will instantly notice that they need tender loving care.
So, in this article, I will share how I typically cleanse my crystals with incense and sacred herbs.
Why Is Incense The Best And Safest Way To Cleanse Crystals?

Even though there are numerous ways to cleanse your beautiful crystals, some methods can damage them as they are all constructed from different minerals.
To illustrate this point, cleansing finely grained crystals like crystal selenite, halite, or kyanite in running water will irreversibly damage them.
And exposing them to the sun can change their colors, and using salt can adversely affect your crystal’s minerals.
So, it’s clear that using incense is the safest and most effective way to cleanse and re-energize crystals.
The 5-Step Crystal Incense Cleansing Process
Using incense to reinvigorate crystals is relatively straightforward. Although, it’s essential to choose a pure type of incense that is free from chemicals and dyes.
Alternatively, use your favorite dried herbs that align with your energy. But there are really no hard and fast rules, so with your gut!
And choose an incense cleansing medium that sparks joy or serves a purpose. So, without further ado, here’s my five-step crystal cleansing guide with incense and organic materials.
1. Use Incense/Herbs That Resonates With You

You may find that burning some incense varieties like cedar, juniper, sweetgrass, or copal envelops you with a sense of serenity or positive energy.
Those are great options, although there are several other types that you can experiment with, like the following alternatives:
- Sandalwood incense is ideal for using crystals to reduce pent-up physical or emotional stress. Its soothing, woody, mildly sweet fragrance calms and centers the mind and body.
- Ancient Myrrh, produced from tree resin, has been used to dispel negative emotions since the dawn of time. Its medicinal and woody aroma can also be combined with frankincense cleanses and restores strength.
- Sage Smudging is an ancient and holy indigenous ritual to purify and bless places and people. And burning home-grown or sustainably produced white sage stick bundles is a powerful way to cleanse your crystals and remove any pent-up unhealthy energy.
- Palo Santo, or Holy Wood, is part of a wild tree traditionally used in smudging and cleansing rituals. Burning Palo Santo to cleanse crystals promotes healing and restores depleted energy.
2. Prepare The Area And Set Up Your Incense
Start by opening your room’s windows to release any negative energy or move your crystals into your garden, where they will be surrounded by plants and fresh air.
Place your incense of dried herbs in a heatproof dish, metal Tibetan singing bowl, seashell, or traditional incense holder. If you use smudge sticks like sage or Palo Santo, use a heatproof container that is big enough to safely accommodate burning it in.
Once everything is in place, light up your incense and blow it out as soon as it emits smoke.
3. Expose Your Crystals To The Cleansing Smoke
Use a feather or your hands to wave the smoke towards your crystals, or pick them up individually and move it through the healing smoke.
An added benefit of using incense or smudging methods in a room is that it also cleanses the space and eliminates any unhealthy energies – so it’s a win-win in that department!
4. Express Your Intent During The Cleansing Process
An essential component of cleansing crystals is communicating your intent, either mentally or vocally.
So, as you are permeating your crystals in smoke, think about your intentions, and express them clearly. For example, you can repeatedly say: “these crystals are now cleansed, powerful, and filled with positive healing energy.”
5. Bless Your Crystals Once They Are Cleansed
It typically takes roughly 5 minutes to cleanse crystals. Although, you can follow your intuition to gauge when the crystal’s energies have been balanced.
Once the cleansing process is complete, show gratitude by thanking your crystals for sharing their profound healing properties and removing toxic energy.
Suppose you work with a deity or spirit guide. In that case, this is also an opportune time to connect your cleared crystals with your guide through meditation or prayer.
Where Should I Store My Cleansed Crystals?
If you don’t intend to display your crystals, place them in a soft pouch that will protect them from getting scratched or dusty.
Although, should you store them in a pouch, ensure that their sharp edges are well away from each other, as some crystals are far more delicate than others and can easily break off.
How Often Should I Cleanse My Crystals With Incense?
While new crystals should ideally be cleaned before you use them. Crystals that are used often start building up energy, so if you use them regularly, try to cleanse them at least once a month.
Other telltale signs are if you have lost a deep connection with them or used them to spiritually heal someone who emits destructive energy.
Most importantly, if you feel that some of your crystals are heavier than they usually are, it’s wise to cleanse and reinvigorate them to restore their protective energy.
Final Words
Like humans, crystals absorb negative energy. Thus, if you notice that they have a lackluster appearance, feel heavier, or that you have lost a deep connection, they need to be cleared.
The safest and most efficient way to cleanse your crystals is with pure incense, sacred dried herbs like white sage, Palo Santo, or ancient Myrrh, and frankincense.
Although, it’s essential to permeate your crystals with the cleansing smoke and express your intentions and eternal gratitude during this deeply spiritual and sacred ritual.