Clean Your Rudraksha The Right Way: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Ever wonder why your Rudraksha do not seem to shine like they used to?

If you are not cleaning your beads using the right method, not only will they begin to appear dull and lifeless, but you may also be diminishing their divine properties. In this comprehensive guide, we will learn the correct method of cleaning Rudraksha beads, and commonly used methods that are wrong and must be avoided at all costs. Stick till the end, as I will be introducing 3 simple steps you can take to amplify your Rudraksha's potency.

Why is cleaning important?

Over time, dirt, sweat and other particles may accumulate on your beads. Cleaning away this buildup helps:

  • Restore natural brilliance, ensuring your beads look robust and healthy
  • Preserve structural integrity, keeping your beads strong and resilient
  • Prevent deterioration, extending the lifespan of your beads

With proper maintenance, Rudraksha can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms.

How to clean Rudraksha at home?

Cleaning your Rudraksha is extremely simple, and will only take a few minutes of your time.

Step 1: Initial Rinse

  • Briefly rinse your Rudraksha under running tapwater at room temperature, to remove any surface dust

Step 2: Brush

  • Gently scrub each bead using a new, soft brush to remove any dirt

Step 3: Final Rinse

  • Thoroughly rinse your beads under running tapwater at room temperature, to remove any residue

Step 4: Dry

  • Pat your Rudraksha dry with a towel/cloth
  • Lay them down to air dry fully, away from direct sunlight (Any location is fine, but the altar is usually preferred as your bead can absorb the positive energies that tend to be present there.)

Step 5: Conditioning

  • Apply a touch of a natural oil (E.g.: Olive oil) and spread it over your bead's surface to maintain their luster and integrity
  • Avoid adding too much oil, as this will leave a greasy feeling that will make wearing your Rudraksha uncomfortable
  • You may also use our proprietary Rudraksha-Infused Oil for greater protection

That's it - cleaning your Rudraksha is as simple as that!

There are plenty of cleaning methods, but we have observed that this process is the simplest and most effective.

How to clean silver Rudraksha mala?

You may use the above method to clean Rudraksha encapsulated in silver as well, with a few additional precautions:

  • Be gentle: Use a soft brush and handle the chain gently to prevent scratches / damage
  • Avoid soaking and dry thoroughly: Since silver tarnishes when in contact with water for extended periods, minimise the duration that the silver is exposed to water
  • Apply silver polish carefully: If your silver chain has tarnished, apply silver polish carefully without getting it on the beads, as it is a harsh chemical (More on this later)

How often should I clean my Rudraksha?

There is no fixed frequency; do so whenever you feel like they should be cleaned. If you are unsure, do it once every 3 months.

How do I know if my Rudraksha need cleaning?

  • Visible dirt / dust
  • Unpleasant odour
  • Sticky / oily surface
  • Dull, less vibrant appearance
  • Heaviness / discomfort during wear

Trust your intuition; if you feel that your beads should to be cleaned, clean them.

What are some common mistakes I should avoid?

Rough brushing

    Scratches and Abrasions: Rough brushing may result in scratches and damage on the bead's surface, changing their natural appearance.

    Removal of Medicinal Properties: Often mistaken to be insignificant matter, the particles that you see between your Rudraksha's grooves actually hold medicinal properties. When these particles touch your skin, it helps with your overall health and wellbeing - that is why it is always recommended that your Rudraksha is in contact with your skin. Unknowingly brushing these particles off to make your bead look clean / smooth will weaken its healing properties.

Using hot water

    Thermal Stress: Sudden temperature variance may cause thermal stress, resulting in cracks.

    Loss of Natural Oils: Hot water may strip the beads' natural oils, making them dry and more fragile. They might also appear dull and lifeless.

    Color Fading: Hot water may cause fading of the beads' natural color, changing their natural appearance.

Oversoaking

    Structural Damage: Soaking for long periods may weaken the beads' natural fibers, increasing their vulnerability to cracking and breaking.

    Mold and Mildew: High moisture levels may result in the growth of mold and mildew, damaging the beads and shortening their life.

    Loss of Natural Oils: Soaking may strip the beads' natural oils, making them dry and more fragile. They might also appear dull and lifeless.

Using harsh chemicals

    Chemical Damage: Harsh chemicals, (E.g. Bleach / strong detergents), can corrode the beads' organic material, causing irreversible damage.

    Loss of Natural Oils: These substances may strip the beads' natural oils, making them dry and more fragile. They might also appear dull and lifeless.

Improper drying

    Mold and Mildew: If beads are not fully dry, the residual moisture may result in the growth of mold and mildew, damaging the beads and shortening their life.

    Fragility: If beads are dried rapidly (E.g.: Direct sunlight), they may become fragile and vulnerable to cracking.

    Decay: Any leftover moisture may cause internal decay, damaging the beads from the inside out.

Cleansing Rudraksha: Is it necessary?

A cleansing ritual is a practice designed to remove negative energies and purify an entity. However, Rudraksha only repel negative energy; they do not absorb it, so cleansing is optional as these beads do not store negative energy.

If you would still like to cleanse your beads, you may expose your Rudraksha to rainwater. Please avoid singing bowl cleansing rituals - these are powerful and should only be performed before you receive your Rudraksha. Once you have started using it, avoid any strong cleansing rituals, as these may sever the bond between you and your Rudraksha.

How to energise Rudraksha?

Re-energisation restores your Rudraksha's natural energy, which may fade slowly over long periods of time - especially if your Rudraksha is not used. You may either expose your Rudraksha to sunlight or pray / meditate with it. This can be done once every 3 months as well, during cleaning - to make it more convenient for you.

Now, how can I enhance the power of my Rudraksha?

The extent of your Rudraksha's positive impact on your life depends on one thing - the connection between you and your Rudraksha. Naturally then, strengthening the connection will amplify the benefits you experience, and here is how you can do just that:

1. Expressing Gratitude

Every day, take a few seconds to give thanks to your Rudraksha for its effect on your life. There is always goodness in our day; we just have to be perceptive enough to recognise it. Expressing gratitude makes your Rudraksha feel appreciated. Just as you and I work better when we feel appreciated and valued, your Rudraksha works the same way.

When you begin your Rudraksha journey, the changes you see may not be drastic, as the connection would not be properly established. However, by giving thanks for even the very minute things, you will witness the benefits getting bigger and bigger, with time.

2. Showing Love and Care

While similar to the previous point, this involves showing general affection for your bead, not just expressing gratitude when good things happen. For example, keeping your Rudraksha clean and glowing is one way to display your love.

3. Displaying Devotion and Respect

A majority of the people who use their Rudraksha for chanting / meditation report experiencing increased benefits and a deeper connection with their beads afterwards. This might be a good way to strengthen your connection with your Rudraksha.

Armed with this knowledge, you should now be able to maintain your beads the right way - to restore their natural brilliance, extend their lifespan and continue receiving their blessings. Take care of your Rudraksha, so they may take care of you.

Learn more about Rudraksha

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