How to Care for Your Singing Bowls

Caring for your singing bowls is part of your relationship with them. These instruments are not just objects, they're companions in your healing work, meditation practice, and sound journey. Whether your bowl’s are crystal or metal, frosted or clear, big or small, they respond best to a graceful presence and general respect of their being.

1. Create a Sacred, Safe Home for Your Bowls

First things first—location matters. Singing bowls should be in a place that feels peaceful if possible.You want a dedicated place and the physical environment is safe.

• Away from busy areas where kids might run or where pets may bump into things.
  
  

• Set on the floor in a dedicated place, or steady shelf or table
  
  

• Ideally, somewhere you use them regularly, so they’re not just decor—they’re part of your daily rhythm.
  
  

We recommend placing your bowls on a dedicated surface: something flat, stable, and vibration-friendly. Wood shelves, low tables, or even an altar space works well. Just make sure it’s not prone to shaking or being bumped.

Be sure to move them before guests arrive if you don't want them playing them or breaking them or while cleaning. An accidental elbow or a bump from some kids playing around can be the end of your crystal singing bowl.

2. Playing with Care: Jewelry, Malas, and Clothing Awareness

It might seem small  but this one’s important. When playing your singing bowl, anything you’re wearing that dangles or is hard—bracelets, malas, rings—can unintentionally touch the bowl and interrupt the sound. Worse, it will kick it off with a harsh sound and  might even chip or crack the bowl.

Crystal bowls, especially, vibrate very rapidly near the rim while playing. A quick bump from a hard ring or metal mala bead while the bowl is resonating can cause a small shock—enough to create a visible mark or compromise the integrity of the bowl.

• Remove rings and bracelets before playing.
  
  

• Be mindful of malas, especially when leaning in to play with a striker.
  
  

• Watch your sleeves or flowing garments, which can brush a bowl as you move, especially if you’re walking around the bowls in a session.
  
  

It’s about graceful awareness, which naturally deepens your relationship with the bowls anyway.

3. Always Use a Rubber Ring or Cushion

Every bowl should have a base—always. Whether it’s a classic rubber O-ring or a padded cushion, never place a bowl directly on a hard surface. Not only is it unsafe, but it also mutes the resonance.

A ring or cushion,

• Allows the bowl to sing longer, fully and clearly.
  
  

• Gives the bowl stability and keeps it from slipping especially on smooth or uneven surfaces.
  
  

• Protects the bowl from contact from the ground.

In addition, place the entire setup on a yoga mat. This adds another layer of protection for the bowls especially if one gets knocked over.

4. Move Slowly and With Intention

Moving around your bowls, especially a set of them, requires a different pace. You want to move mindfully and with full body awareness. Move with intention while packing, unpacking and placing your bowls because this is a common place for mishaps to happen.

This becomes especially important when:

• Playing in a small space, where you might be stepping around your setup.
  
  

• Be mindful of your clothing which can catch a bowl unintentionally.
  
  

• Reaching or repositioning bowls, where your hands and arms might hover near sensitive rims.
  
  

These bowls are breakable. One small misstep or swing of fabric can knock a bowl, chip it, or worse. When you’re fully present with your movement, your sound journey naturally becomes more sacred.

5. Spacing Bowls Properly When Playing in Sets

This part is often overlooked but critical when playing multiple bowls together: give them space. Especially with larger bowls, the vibrations they emit can interact in unexpected ways.

We’ve heard of rare cases—though we haven’t seen it ourselves—where two large bowls placed too closely at high volume cracked or shattered from mutual resonance. The soundwaves had nowhere to go and began to feed back into the bowls.

To avoid this:

• Give at least a few inches of space between smaller bowls.
  
  

• For larger bowls, 6-12 inches or more is a good buffer.
  
  

• When in doubt, test with volume gradually and listen to how the bowls react to each other.
  
  

If you ever notice unusual buzzing, dampened tones, or sharp vibrations—stop and adjust spacing and check the ring and foundation of the bowl.

6. Cleaning Your Singing Bowls (Crystal and Metal)

Singing bowls don’t need much cleaning, but they do appreciate a regular dusting.

For Crystal Singing Bowls (Clear, Colored, Prismatic:

• A dry microfiber cloth works well for most of the time.

• If needed use a drop of water on the cloth to remove smudges.
  
  

• For tougher spots, a drop of mild dish soap diluted in water can help—but always apply to the cloth, never directly on the bowl.
  
  

• Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives liquids.

For Frosted White Bowls:

These are a bit more high-maintenance. Their textured surface traps dust, dirt, and oils easily, especially if played outside or in dusty environments.

• Use a soft-bristle brush with a little soapy water, brushing gently in circular motions.
  
  

• Rinse carefully and air dry.

If you’re planning to play these bowls outdoors regularly, consider having a designated outdoor set or metal bowls that you play outside.

For Metal Singing Bowls (Tibetan, Himalayan):

These are much more durable and forgiving:

• Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
  
  

• Use a little metal polish on the exterior if you like, though some prefer the aged patina look.
  
  

7. Energetic Clearing

While physical cleaning is important, the bowls also carry energy. They hold your sound, your prayers, your sessions—and sometimes, that means they need a little spiritual refresh.

Here are a few favorite ways to energetically clear your bowls:

• Play the bowl: Sound itself is clearing. The vibration shakes off old energy and invites in the new.
  
  

• Full moon or New Moon: Let your bowls sit in moonlight or lack thereof overnight. This is ideal for energetic cleansing and charging.
  
  

• Clearing burning herbs: clear with sage or palo santo smoke over and around the bowl with clear intention.
  
  

• Spring water:  rinsing in natural spring water can help reset their energy.
  
  

• Prayer or mantra: Speak directly to your bowls. Thank them, bless them, and infuse them with your purpose.
  
  

7. Traveling with Singing Bowls

If you’re bringing your bowl to a sound session, or traveling on a trip, always have a dedicated case. Use padded cases made for the bowls if you have them. Foam packing material in between bowls if you are nesting multiple bowls. Be mindful that the bowls are secure and dont have movement in the bag.

For crystal singing bowls it's absolutely best to carry them on with you. Never leave your crystal singing bowl bag with the airlines. Tell them they are very sensitive musical instruments, don't be rude but be assertive they can not leave your side. We fly with ours under our feet when possible. While driving  bumps or sudden movements can cause the bowls to move or other bags to move onto the bowls, something to be mindful of. For any drive it's important to make sure they are safe. Buckle them up!

Here is an example of how not to play your crystal singing bowls in nature. This was for a demonstration photo.

Frequently Asked Questions: Caring for Your Singing Bowls

What is the best place to keep my singing bowls?

Choose a safe place where your bowls can have longevity. Keep them away from corners and places they can be bumped into.

Is it okay to leave my bowls out all the time?

Yes, just be sure the space is safe. Have extra attention before vacuuming, moving furniture, or hosting guests. Even one bump can cause heartache.

What should I use under my bowls?

Every bowl should sit on a rubber ring or padded cushion. Avoid placing bowls directly on hard surfaces! A ring helps the bowl stay safe and also allows it to resonate more fully when played. Extra bonus when the bowl and ring are on a yoga mat.

Should I take off my rings or bracelets when I play?

It's helpful jewelry can easily tap the rim while the bowl is vibrating. Even a small bump can make a harsh sound or damage the edge. It’s always best to remove rings, bracelets, and long malas before playing.

Can my clothing affect the bowls?

It they catch the bowl. Loose or flowing sleeves or pants can brush up against the bowls without you realizing it. When you’re moving around your bowls, move slowly and mindfully.

Do I need to leave space between bowls when playing more than one?

We do. Each bowl should have a little bit of breathing room. A few inches is usually enough for most  bowls. Larger crystal bowls should have six to twelve inches or more between them. 

How do I clean my crystal bowls?

Use a soft microfiber cloth for everyday dust or smudges. If needed, you can lightly dampen the cloth or use a drop of gentle soap. For frosted bowls, a soft brush with diluted soap works well to clean the textured surface.

How do I clean my frosted white bowls?

These bowls hold onto dirt more easily, especially if you use them outdoors. Use a soft brush and mild soap to gently scrub the surface. These bowls will hold dirt more then others so if you play outside it is inevitable.

How do I clean metal singing bowls?

Wipe them with a soft cloth. Most people prefer the natural patina that develops over time. 

Do I need to energetically clear my bowl?

Bowls often clear themselves just by being played. But you can give them a little extra attention now and again. You can use full moonlight, burn sage or palo santo, say a prayer, or place your hands on the bowl with clear intention. 

Can I travel with my bowl?

Yes and pack it carefully. Use a padded case and wrap the bowl in protective material. There should be no movement between the bowl and bag, it should feel secure and snug.

What should I do if my bowl gets chipped or cracked?

If it’s a small chip near the base, your bowl might still play well. If the crack is at the rim, it may be of more concern. If the bowl is still intact you can sometimes use special glues to bond it back together.