🫧 Clean Phase: One Zone at a Time to a Fresh, Peaceful Space

Does your home ever feel like it’s collecting more dust than memories? Let’s fix that.

Welcome back to the Tiny Oasis Decor Spring Challenge! If you’ve been following along, you’ve already taken the first big step—decluttering. That alone brings a huge shift in energy. But now? Now it’s time to give your space the kind of refresh that makes you breathe deeper, sleep better, and feel a little more at ease every time you walk through the door.

Because here's the truth: a clean home just feels different.

There’s something about walking into a room where the surfaces are wiped down, the air smells fresh, and nothing feels like it’s clinging to the chaos of yesterday. That’s the feeling we’re after in this next phase of the challenge: Clean.

But before you start thinking this means hours of scrubbing or a whole weekend lost to cleaning, hear me out. I don’t believe in marathon cleaning days, especially in small spaces. The irony is real—mess builds up faster in a smaller home, but the moment it’s even slightly out of control, the whole place feels off. That’s why we’re doing things differently.

A Smarter Way to Clean

This week, we’re keeping things light, manageable, and totally doable. Just one zone per day for the next eight days. Not your entire home. Not all at once. Just bite-sized tasks that add up to a total transformation.

And the best part? Each day you complete a zone, your home feels a little more like the peaceful retreat it’s meant to be.

Let me walk you through how I clean my own small space in a way that’s efficient, calming, and doesn’t take over the whole day.

Step 1: The Reset Before the Spray Bottle

Before you even think about grabbing a sponge or cleaner, start with a reset.

This is a quick 5–10 minute sweep of your space:
– Put things back where they belong
– Toss or recycle anything that needs to go
– Clear off your surfaces

Why? Because in a small space, clutter doesn’t just look messy—it hides dirt. A clear surface makes cleaning easier, faster, and honestly, more satisfying.

You’ll clean better and likely with a better attitude too.

Step 2: Clean From the Top Down

Here’s one of the golden rules of cleaning: Work top to bottom.

Dust the shelves before you wipe the counters. Wipe the counters before you vacuum the floors. That way you’re not doubling your work by letting dust and grime fall onto freshly cleaned areas.

Simple tip, big payoff.

Step 3: Clean in Zones, Not Rooms

Rooms in small homes tend to blur into each other. So instead of setting out to “clean the kitchen,” think in zones:

Sink, counter, stovetop = Zone 1

Floors = Zone 2

Same goes for the bathroom. Try:

Mirror, faucet, countertop = Zone 1

Toilet and shower = Zone 2

Breaking things down into smaller wins builds momentum. It helps you finish, and finishing feels motivating.

Step 4: Keep It Simple With a Compact Cleaning Kit

One reason people avoid cleaning is because it feels like a production. If dragging out all your supplies feels exhausting before you even start, it might be time to simplify.

Here’s what I keep in my small-space cleaning kit:

A multi-surface spray that smells amazing (trust me, you’ll want to use it more)

A few microfiber cloths (way better than paper towels)

A small cordless vacuum or a broom and dustpan

A gentle glass cleaner (or just vinegar and water for windows and mirrors)

A couple of magic erasers for those mysterious wall marks that just appear

I keep one version of this kit tucked in a few key spots. That way, cleaning becomes as simple as a quick wipe-down when you notice something needs attention.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Sneaky Spots

These are the places that always get missed but make a surprising difference when you show them a little love:

Light switches & door handles (we touch them constantly but rarely clean them)

Cabinet fronts, especially in the kitchen where grease loves to linger

Baseboards and floor edges, even just a quick swipe helps

Top of the fridge—no explanation needed, just take a peek!

Electronics like TV remotes, phone stands, and laptops—use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe them down

Step 6: Set the Mood

If cleaning feels like a chore, change the vibe.

Light a candle

Open a window

Play music you love

Or queue up a feel-good podcast (you’ll find two playlists in your Spring Challenge guide too!)

This turns cleaning into a reset, not just for your space but for your mindset. It becomes less about scrubbing and more about reconnecting with your home.

Remember: Energy Follows Cleanliness

Once you’ve finished a zone, really feel the shift.
Your breathing slows.
Your shoulders drop.
You might even smile without realizing it.

A clean space isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels. And in a small home, that feeling can be profound. It makes your space feel bigger, brighter, and more like the sanctuary you want it to be.

Your Challenge: One Zone a Day

You don’t need to do it all today.
You don’t need perfection.
You just need consistency.

Follow the guide: one zone per day, eight days in a row. You’ll be amazed at how your home transforms without the overwhelm.

You’re not just cleaning—you’re creating your own tiny oasis, one intentional step at a time.

Coming Up Next: Organize

Once this cleaning phase is complete, you’ll be perfectly set up for the Organize phase of our challenge. That’s where we take all this clarity and calm, and build a system that actually works with your life.

So go at your own pace, trust the process, and remember:
Your space is worth caring for—and so are you.