6 Ways To Smudge, Protect, and Cleanse Your House Without Using Sage

You don’t need to wait for spring to do some much-needed house cleansing. It’s especially important now that there’s just so much negative energy in the world.

Whether it’s to prepare for the new year or just because Samhain is around the corner, cleansing your house of some heavy, suffocating vibes is definitely in order. 

If you’re new to house cleansing, you’ll find that burning sage — or “smudging” — is the most common suggestion.

The problem with this is that sage, particularly white sage, is a plant that isn’t sustainable, so overharvesting is a serious issue.

On top of that, burning sage as a popular house cleansing method can diminish the plant’s cultural and historical significance.

Keep in mind also, that burning sage is a ritual that’s considered sacred among the Native Americans. Growing, harvesting, and burning sage are ceremonial activities; to use this plant for house cleansing just because it’s a fad can be seen as disrespectful.

On top of that, burning sage or any kind of herb might not be the best solution for your dwelling. After all, apartments have rules against burning things inside the premises, and you’d want to avoid trouble with your landlord.

If you have someone who’s allergic to smoke — or if you’re allergic yourself — smudging is definitely a no-no. 

Fortunately, there are lots of other ways you can do a house cleanse without sage.

How To Cleanse A House Without Sage

💐Mix a Fragrant Floral Bowl 

This one’s my favorite because it’s quick and easy, and the preparation itself is relaxing to begin with.

All you need to do is mix up some lavender and thyme (fresh or dried is up to you) with some salt and hot water. Stir them in a bowl. You can do this slowly and mindfully, taking in the scent of the herbs as you gently stir them with your hands before adding the hot water.

🪄 How To Set Your Intentions While Smudging Your House

Take deep breaths and think of calming thoughts as you stir, so you add a bit of your own tranquil energy into the mix. 

When you’re done stirring and feel that your floral bowl is ready, let the mixture cool. Open your windows to invite the breeze in for some natural cooling.

You can even add in a few drops of lavender oil or lemon juice to enhance the fragrance. When the water has cooled down, take the bowl around your house or in specific rooms you want to cleanse.

If you feel that a particular area needs some deep cleansing, leave the bowl there for a few hours, so it can soak up the negative energy and purify your space. 

🥁 Make Some Noise 

Okay, don’t just randomly make noises — what I mean is that sound vibrations can be another way to cleanse without sage.

It’s similar to how the kind of music you play can set a different mood each time.

By using a few instruments, you can transmute negative energies into positive, uplifting ones. 

Some instruments you can consider are: 

• Cymbals
• Gongs
• Bells
• Chimes 
• Tuning Forks 
• Drums 

Don’t forget that your own voice can also serve as a musical instrument.

You don’t necessarily have to be an exceptionally talented singer, but singing can certainly open up your heart, allowing your spirit to release positive energy.

You can also recite mantras, repeat affirmations, or vocalize chants. 

To cleanse with sound vibrations, walk around your house and let the sounds reverberate through each room, space, and corner.

When using musical instruments, let the sounds fade out to the last note and have a short pause in between before pushing the negative energy out with another round of sounds. 

🧂 Use Salt — But Not as Seasoning 

Everyone knows salt is used for seasoning food, but did you also know it’s a way to naturally cleanse many things? 

That’s right! Salt has been used to sterilize various objects like cooking implements and even wounds.

If you’re fresh out of mouthwash and feel an itch in your throat, a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of salt can be a good substitute to gargle.

This method can also help dry up mouth sores. You’d even be surprised to know that there are fine salt scrubs that can be used to get rid of dead skin cells. 

When it comes to cleansing your house with salt, you can use it in the following ways: 

• As floor powder for drawing a magical symbol or purification sigil 
• Mixed and ground with herbs in a bowl 
• Dissolve with water in a spray bottle to use as a mist 
• Placed on a small bowl or dish to be left in a particular room or area

All these methods can clear out negative energy in your home as salt can absorb them along with other toxins.

Once you feel that your house or a room has been cleansed of negative energy, you can easily dispose of the salt in a drain or in the trash.

If you want to have a cleanser as well as a gentle and calming source of light, Himalayan salt lamps will work just as well. 

🪨 Harness the Power of Crystals

There are various crystals that you can use to invite positive energy, but one of the most effective are clear quartz crystals.

By placing these in each corner of a room, you can dispel negative energy while protecting your space at the same time. 

To strengthen your protection against negative energy, you can also add selenite crystals.

These can ward off negative energy by serving as a shield. To draw in positive, loving energy, consider placing two rose quartz crystals in your bedroom. 

🧼 Stay Spiritually Spick-and-Span

Actual spring cleaning can feel a bit tedious, but I personally enjoy clearing my space of negative energy.

It always makes me feel spiritually and emotionally lighter.

To cleanse without sage, try out any of the methods I recommended above and keep your house cleansed all year round!