When it comes to cleansing a new home, there are a few obvious things that come to mind: wiping down the kitchen, scrubbing the bathroom, dusting the window sills, and of course, organizing (a task we know a a little something about).

But a truly clean home can go beneath the surface. Making sure the energy in your house is fresh can help you relax, feel more optimistic, and ultimately, be more at home in your space.

“We all have energy signatures in our bodies,” says Amy Mistal, owner of Soul Ease Organizing. “If you’re in a good mood, you’ll leave a positive energy signature. And if you’re in a bad mood or if you’re yelling or arguing with somebody, you’re going to leave a negative energy signature. So it’s important to take the time to clear those things away at home.”

If you’re curious about what it means to energetically cleanse your home, read on for our expert tips on how to get the job done.

Why Should You Cleanse Your Home?

You want to cleanse your home of any bad energy, according to Florida-based Deniz Kilic who runs both Moonlight Astrology and also offers real estate services.

“Our homes can become filled with negative energy which is produced by the thoughts and words, often called thought forms. Angry words, fear, depression and other emotions can become stuck in the room where they were expressed. This is why you can walk into a room where an argument has just occurred and feel the tension in the air.”

Energetically cleansing your home can have a larger benefit on your life, said Anita Rosenberg, a spiritual advisor based in Hollywood who works with clients like Ashley Tisdale and Miranda Kerr on feng shui and energy cleansing.

“If you feel like maybe you aren’t as successful in your life, in your career, or in your relationships, your physical house could be holding you back,” she said. “It can have some energy in it that is causing things to be stuck.”

When Should You Cleanse Your Home?

Moving is one of the most common times to undergo a cleansing ritual, and can be beneficial for both the home you’re leaving, and the home you’re moving into.

Starting with a clean slate is a great way to ensure that your new start is everything you want it to be.

Times of significant change or upheaval are also great moments to do an energy cleansing, whether it’s after an illness or a loss, a new job, or simply a period that feels stagnant.

Rosenberg also recommends doing an energy cleansing in your home at the start of a new season, noting that, “every season has a different energy to it, so you’ll want to do a home cleansing and shift some energy in your space every season.”

Setting intentions for what you want to achieve over the next few months can help enhance your cleansing ritual and give you an extra boost of motivation.

Do You Need to Use Sage to Cleanse a Home?

Sage is one of the most popular ways to cleanse a home energetically. Read our blog to learn more.

Sometimes called smudging, sage is used in a variety of rituals, and originated with Native Americans, who used dried white sage in their practices.

With both historical roots, as well as potential bacteria-busting benefits, burning sage in your home can be a good way to go. However, it isn’t the only substance that gets the job done. Palo Santo and sandalwood incense are also great alternatives.

If you want to use white sage (or other herbs or plants), make sure to use a product that has been sustainably harvested.

How do You Cleanse a Home?

When you’re ready to start the cleansing process, start by opening the windows so that the negative energy doesn’t get trapped.

“Once your smudge stick is smoldering,” says Kilic, “direct the smoke waves around your body, beginning with your head and working down towards your feet. Breathe deeply while doing this, focusing on cleansing your body of negative energy. Use a heat-proof burning surface like an Abalone shell or a pan to hold the substance you’re lighting.”

Mistal also notes to pay special attention to the corners of the house, where energy tends to get stuck.

For another affordable way to cleanse the home that doesn’t involve any smoke, Mistal recommends using sound as a cleansing tool.

“I’ll clap in certain corners to help circulate the energy. You can also use a singing bowl, or even a bell, but making noise helps to break up any leftover energy that’s gotten stuck,” she said.

Finally, for a cleansing tool with aesthetic benefits, consider adding some crystals to your decor. Rosenberg recommends Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Black Tourmaline as great options.

For other tips, read our blog to help give your space a fresh feel.