Have you ever walked into your house and felt like something was just off? Maybe there’s a lingering sense of tension or discomfort that you can’t quite explain. Many people believe that over time, negative energy can accumulate in a living space, creating an atmosphere that feels heavy or unsettling.

This energy can result from stress, arguments, or emotional events, and while it’s not something you can see, it’s something you can definitely feel. Fortunately, there’s a simple and affordable way to help clear that energy using common household items: a glass of water, salt, and vinegar. This traditional cleansing ritual is said to absorb negative energy and leave your home feeling renewed and refreshed. Each ingredient has a symbolic and energetic purpose.

Water is widely recognized in many cultures as a cleansing force—it absorbs and holds energy and is frequently used in spiritual practices to wash away negativity. Salt has long been known for its purifying properties, often used to ward off bad energy and protect spaces. Vinegar, commonly used for cleaning, also has a symbolic role in spiritual cleansing due to its acidity and its ability to break down lingering energy. When you bring these three elements together, they’re believed to create a powerful blend that draws in negative vibes and neutralizes them. Performing this ritual is straightforward and doesn’t require anything fancy.

All you need is one clear glass—not plastic or opaque, as you want to observe changes—and then fill it with one cup of water. Add two tablespoons of coarse salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, and gently stir. It’s okay if the salt doesn’t dissolve completely. Then, add one tablespoon of white vinegar and stir briefly. Once the mixture is ready, choose a location in your home that feels heavy or uncomfortable. This could be a room where you’ve experienced arguments, a place that’s been filled with stress, or even a spot that just doesn’t feel quite right. Place the glass in a discreet area where it won’t be touched or moved for 24 hours.

Let the mixture sit undisturbed. During this time, it’s believed that the salt, water, and vinegar begin to work together to absorb the room’s negative energy. After the 24-hour period, inspect the glass. You might notice that the water looks cloudy, the salt has shifted, or bubbles have formed—these are considered signs that the mixture has absorbed energy from the environment. If the water appears unchanged, that could mean the room’s energy is already clear.

Either way, it’s important to dispose of the mixture properly. If the glass looks affected, it’s recommended to throw the contents outside your home rather than down the sink, as the water is believed to now contain the negative energy it absorbed. Repeat the ritual as often as needed. Some people do it once a month, others during times of high stress or after significant emotional events. Many people report that after performing the ritual, their home feels lighter and more peaceful.

You might notice an improved mood, a sense of relief, better sleep, or fewer arguments. Especially when used in a bedroom, people say the energy becomes calmer and more relaxing, which supports deeper rest and better emotional balance. While the effects are often personal and subjective, this ritual can help create a renewed sense of peace and comfort. A major reason this practice resonates with so many people is because of the power of intention. When you perform this ritual with a focused mind and a genuine desire to clear away negativity, your mindset begins to shift, and your surroundings start to reflect that inner clarity.

Whether or not you believe in the metaphysical side of energy, the act of doing something purposeful to reset your space can be incredibly therapeutic. Along with this ritual, you can support a positive home environment in other simple ways. Open your windows often to let fresh air circulate and release stagnant energy. Burn sage or palo santo to smudge your space and encourage a sense of renewal. Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus can help cleanse the air and promote relaxation.

Adding indoor plants not only purifies the air but also enhances the energy of your space by bringing in life and color. Decluttering and organizing your home is another powerful way to improve energy flow. At first glance, a glass filled with salt, water, and vinegar may seem too simple to make a difference, but this time-tested ritual has helped people all over the world restore balance and positivity in their homes. Even if you approach it as a symbolic act, it can be an effective and meaningful way to reconnect with your space. Try it out and see if you feel a shift—it just might help bring the clarity, comfort, and peace your home needs.