Mala Care and Maintenance

Keeping Your Sacred Beads Radiant

1. Storage and Handling with Reverence:

Begin by treating your mala with the utmost respect. Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your mala. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use a Pouch or Box: Store your mala in a pouch or jewelry box when you’re not wearing it. This protects it from dust, sunlight, and potential damage.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight can fade the colors of your beads over time. Store your mala in a cool, dark place to preserve its vibrancy.
• Avoid Contact with Water: Water can damage certain materials like wood and weaken the cord used to string the beads. Remove your mala before swimming, showering, or engaging in water-related activities.

2. Cleansing Your Mala:

Over time, your mala may accumulate energy from your meditations and intentions. To cleanse it, you have several options:

• Moonlight: Place your mala in the light of the full moon overnight to absorb its purifying energy. Be sure to bring it inside before sunrise as some gems and wood are damanged by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Sage or Incense: Pass your mala through the smoke of burning sage, incense or palo santo while setting the intention to release any unwanted energy. Visualize the smoke purifying your mala.
• Sound Cleansing: Use your favorite sound therapy tool (such as a singing bowl, gong, tuning fork, etc) or chant your favorite mantra to infuse positive vibrations into your mala.
• Salt Cleansing: Place your mala in a small dish, and place that dish on a mound of sea salt for a few hours or overnight. The salt will absorb any negative energy, leaving your mala refreshed. (some gemstones can be placed directly on the salt, however we recommend some barrier between the salt and your mala just to be safe)

3. Regularly Charging Your Mala:

Just as you cleanse your mala, it’s essential to recharge it with your intention regularly. Hold your mala in your hands, close your eyes, and visualize your intention flowing into each bead. If you are meditating with your mala daily, this practice can be integrated before or after your japa mala meditation. This practice helps keep the energy of your mala aligned with your goals.

4. Cleaning the Beads:

• Gently Wipe with a Soft Cloth: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the beads and string of your mala. This will help remove dirt, sweat, and oils that may accumulate over time.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions on your mala, as they can damage the beads and string. If a cloth alone does not clean your beads, use a light amount of plain water, your cloth should be just slightly damp.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, if you have used water, allow your mala to air dry completely before storing it. This prevents moisture from getting trapped in the beads or string.
• Tassel Care: If your mala has a tassel, comb it gently to remove any tangles and trim any loose threads.

5. Knot Inspection:

Malas are often hand-knotted between each bead. Periodically check the knots to ensure they’re secure. If you notice any loose knots, consider having them re-knotted to prevent bead loss if it breaks.

6. Repair and Re-stringing:

If your mala becomes damaged or the cord starts to fray, it’s essential to have it repaired or re-strung by a professional mala maker. Attempting to fix it yourself may compromise its integrity and result in loss of beads. Contact us for any questions or to have your mala remade.