🧼 How to Clean, Energize & Maintain Rudraksha: A Complete Guide

🌿 Why Rudraksha Maintenance Matters

Rudraksha beads are sacred tools — not just ornaments. Keeping them clean, conditioned, and energetically aligned:

• ✨ Preserves their spiritual vibration
  

• 🌱 Ensures long-lasting physical integrity
  

• ⚡ Keeps energy flow pure and uninterrupted

Whether you're wearing a single bead or a full Siddha Mala, regular care helps the Rudraksha serve its highest purpose.

🪷 Step-by-Step: How to Clean Rudraksha

✅ Materials Needed:

• A clean bowl of water (room temperature water, as hot water can damage the beads)
  

• Soft cloth or tissue
  

• Mustard oil or clarified ghee or olive oil
  

• New, clean, soft-bristled toothbrush
  
  

🧼 Recommended Cleaning Procedure - 1-2 times a month or whenever you feel heaviness when wearing your Rudraksha:

1. Soak the Bead:
   Place the Rudraksha in water for 30–60 minutes.
   This loosens any dirt or sweat residue.
   

2. Brush Gently:
   Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the bead — especially around the mukhis (lines).
   Be gentle so the natural grooves stay intact.
   

3. Dry Thoroughly:
   Wipe it gently with a soft cloth and air-dry in a shaded space (not under direct sun).
   

4. Apply Natural Oil:
   Once dry, rub a small amount of the oil or ghee over the bead using your fingers.
    This nourishes the bead and prevents cracking.

🧼 Recommended Cleaning Procedure - Every 6 months:

1. Soak the Bead in Ghee:
   Soak your Rudraksha bead(s) or mala in ghee overnight or up to 24 hours. 

2. Rinse the bead in Water: Soak it in water for 30-60 mins & rinse it with water

3. Brush Gently:
   Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the bead — especially around the mukhis (lines).
   Be gentle so the natural grooves stay intact.
   

4. Dry Thoroughly:
    Wipe it gently with a soft cloth and air-dry in a shaded space (not under direct sun).
   

5. Apply Natural Oil:
   Once dry, rub a small amount of the oil or ghee over the bead using your fingers.
   This nourishes the bead and prevents cracking.

⚡ How to Energize Rudraksha

It is traditional to energize Rudraksha before wearing it — especially for the first time.

🕉️ Energization Ritual (Optional):

1. Clean the Bead (as above).
   

2. Place on a clean white cloth or puja thali.
   

3. Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or the specific Beej Mantra of the Mukhi 108 times.
   

4. Sprinkle with Gangajal or pure water.
   

5. Offer incense or a diya (oil lamp) as a sign of respect.
   

6. Wear on a Monday morning, or an astrologically auspicious day.
   

🧘 This connects your intention with the Rudraksha's energy.

However, please do note that there are more elaborate energization rituals such as Rudraksha Abhishek which needs to be done with a priest or guru. 

🧴 How to Condition Rudraksha Beads

Conditioning means protecting and nurturing your Rudraksha physically.

🛠️ Conditioning Steps:

• Once a month, soak in water for 30-60 mins.
  

• After drying, apply natural oil or ghee.
  

• Wipe off excess oil and store in a clean cotton pouch.
  
  

This process keeps the bead supple and prevents drying, cracking, or fungal buildup.

📦 How to Store Rudraksha Safely

When not wearing your Rudraksha:

• 📦 Store in a clean, natural fiber pouch (cotton/silk)
  

• 🧺 Keep in your altar or sacred space
  

• ❄️ Avoid high humidity or direct sunlight
  

• ⚠️ Do not store with metals, perfumes, or synthetic items
  

Proper storage ensures your bead retains its energy and lasts for many years.

✨ Tips for Long-Term Rudraksha Care

• ✅ Clean monthly or after heavy sweat exposure
  

• ✅ Always apply oil or ghee after cleaning
  

• ✅ Avoid wearing during physical intimacy, funeral rites or when visiting hospital
  

• ✅ Remove before bathing with soap or chlorinated water
  

These practices help you maintain the purity and power of your Rudraksha.

🚫 Dos and Don’ts of Rudraksha Usage

✅ DOs:

• Chant mantras when touching the bead 🙏

• Wear on clean body and clean clothes

• Use Rudraksha for meditation or prayer

• Always treat your Rudraksh with respect

• For wearing Rudrakshas that you were worn by your late ancestors or parents, please do special purification and prayers before wearing them

• Do complete payment when purchasing a Rudraksha, unless it is a gift

• For optimal effects from Rudrakshas, please familiarise yourself with recommended Beej Mantras for different Mukhis of Rudraksh as stated in the Shiv Puran
  
  

❌ DON’Ts:

• Don’t share your Rudraksha with others

• Don’t use chemical cleaners or soaps

• Don’t wear while drinking alcohol or eating non-veg (optional, traditional)

• Do not wear while having physical intimacy

• Do not steal Rudrakshas, their effect will not be beneficial

• Don’t wear while visiting low energy environments (e.g. funeral, hospital, etc)

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I wear Rudraksha every day?

• Yes! With proper care, Rudraksha is suitable for daily use. Avoid wearing Rudrakshas when you sleep, shower, and when you go to environments with a low energy (e.g. funeral, visiting a sick friend in hospital, etc). 

Q: Do I need to energize Rudraksha every time I clean it?

• Not necessary — a full energization is only required before first use.

Q: How long does Rudraksha last?

• With regular cleaning and oiling, it can last decades — even generations.

Q: Can I wear Rudraksha while sleeping?

• Yes, but it's recommended to remove it to avoid tension on the string and the bead.

Q: Can I wear Rudraksha during travel or stressful events?

• Absolutely — Rudraksha provides grounding and protection. Though after stressful events, if you feel a certain heaviness in vibe while wearing your Rudraksha, it is recommended to condition your Rudraksha as recommended in the article above. 

Q: Can I wear Rudraksha from my late ancestors or parents?

• Yes, you can. However, please do special purification and prayers before wearing them. 

Q: Is the Rudraksha still beneficial for me if I do not do any energization with any mantras?

• While there are some scriptures that advise energization procedures for optimal effect from Rudrakshas, according to Shrimad Devibhagawat Rudraksha is beneficial even without chanting any mantras as long as worn with no expectations and with devotion and joy. 

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is intended for spiritual and educational purposes only. The effects of Rudraksha are based on ancient Vedic texts and traditional usage. It is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice. For any health concerns, please consult a licensed professional.

✍️ About the Author

Giraj Mukhi is the founder of Rudraksha Indonesia, with over 12 years of experience in the spiritual wellness field. He is deeply rooted in Sanatana Dharma and has studied the use of Rudraksha. His knowledge comes from texts such as the Shiv Puran, from real-life experience of clients, and he also relies on his personal research & experimentation of Rudraksha. He is passionate & a big believer in a scientific approach in terms of testing the beads and recording its impact. Giraj regularly advises clients on Rudraksha selection, and is passionate about preserving authentic practices.

📅 Last reviewed: July 26, 2025