Your Rudraksha mala is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and meditation. Proper care is essential to preserve its beauty and energetic properties like any precious object. This section delves into the traditional methods of cleansing your Rudraksha mala with water and conditioning it with oil, alongside other practices for maintaining its sacred connection.

Gentle Cleansing with Water:

There are various ways for cleansing Rudraksha beads. These are natural seeds, so they are naturally absorbent. It’s important to be mindful when cleaning them. The traditional method is to soak the mala in lukewarm milk or ghee with a pinch of turmeric for a few hours, then rinse it with clean water and dry it under the morning sun.

• Malaology is 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free, so we do not endorse cleansing with dairy products for several reasons. Our primary rationale is that there is a cleaner and easier way!

   

Here’s how to cleanse your Rudraksha Mala with water:

1. Gather your supplies: A bowl of lukewarm water, a soft cloth, and a drying rack or soft cloth.
   
   
2. Prepare the water: Use clean, clear water, or add a pinch of uncooked rice or a few drops of rosewater to the bowl. Rice absorbs negativity, while rosewater adds a gentle fragrance and high vibrations.
   
   
3. Cleanse the mala: Gently submerge your mala in the water for a few minutes. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents, as these can damage the beads.
   
   
4. Clean with care: If there is any visible dirt on the beads, gently brush them with a soft bristle brush like a toothbrush. This helps to access the little crevices but avoid scrubbing.
   
   
5. Drying the mala: Press your beads softly between two sheets of paper towel or a dry, soft cloth. Let your mala air dry completely. Hanging it or placing it on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight or artificial heat sources, as these can crack the beads if too intense. Don’t dry them in a cool, dark place either. If your beads take too long to dry, they can get moldy.

    

Conditioning with Oil:

After your beads are dry, I recommend conditioning your Rudraksha mala with natural oil to maintain its luster and prevent the beads from drying out. Here’s how:

Choose your oil: Select a natural oil with a subtle scent, such as Olive, Sesame, or Coconut oil. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil to the carrier oil, but avoid synthetic oils and perfumes.

• If you received your mala from Malaology, it arrived with Olive Oil and Nag Champa blended anointing oil. This oil is perfect for conditioning your beads.
  
  
• See the footnote below regarding patch testing when using essential oils.
• •  

1. Apply the oil sparingly: Dip your fingertips into the oil and gently rub it onto the beads. A little goes a long way!
   
   
2. Buff with a soft brush: Use a soft toothbrush (preferably new and used only for this purpose) to gently buff the oil into the beads, ensuring an even distribution.
   
   
3. Wipe off excess: Press your beads softly between two sheets of paper towel or a dry, soft cloth to remove the excess oil. The beads should have a slight sheen and not be greasy.
   
   
4. Rest your beads: Leave your freshly oiled mala on a clean paper towel or soft cloth overnight to absorb the oil more deeply. You’ll be surprised how thirsty these seeds can be!

    

Additional Care Tips:

• Regular Cleansing: If you wear your mala regularly, I recommend cleansing it with water quarterly (every three months). This ritual is most auspicious at the beginning of each new season, such as on the solstices and equinoxes.
  
  
• Storage: When not in use, keep your mala on your altar or store it in a clean, breathable pouch made of natural materials like cotton or hemp. Avoid storing it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
  
  
  • If you received your mala from Malaology, your beads arrived with a hemp pouch. This is the ideal holder for your beads.
    
    
• Respectful Handling: Treat your Rudraksha mala with respect. Avoid wearing it during activities that could damage the beads, such as strenuous exercise or showering.
  
  
• Develop a Routine: Create a regular cleansing and care routine for your mala. Let this become a mindful practice that strengthens your connection with your sacred tool. If doing so quarterly, try incorporating other ways to anchor your intentions, like clearing out clutter (seasonal cleaning) or reviewing the intention you chose for your beads.
  
  
• Caring for Your Rudraksha Mala is not just about maintaining its physical appearance but also about nurturing the energetic connection you share. Following these simple care practices will ensure your mala remains a cherished companion on your spiritual journey for years to come.

Browse meaningful malas handcrafted by me just for you and your intentions.

Mala Blessings, Love, and Light,

Teresa Mayvville, MscD

Teresa Mayville, MscD, is a Doctor of Metaphysics specializing in Gemstone Healing, Tarot, and Spirit Guides. She has guided individuals on their journeys of self-discovery and energetic healing for over twenty years. Visit Malaology.com and YouTube for more information on mantra meditation and other energetic practices, and explore her books on Amazon.