If the appliances are part of the property package, make sure they’re in tiptop shape. Scrub that stove so it shines — and if it’s an electric range, don’t forget to replace the aluminum element pans and clean under that secret range top lid.

Most of the time we’re a little frightened to look under the fridge (what if those bread crumbs have bred with the dust bunnies to create a germy kitchen monster?) but now’s the time to be brave and really clean between the fridge, the counter and the floor.

A whole array of people are about to come through your house, and while some may focus on your brilliant paint colour choice, others will be making sure the under-sink plumbing is in order. So, wipe away the cobwebs, clean up the spray bottles and make it presentable to any set of discerning eyes.

The sun will rise, the seasons will turn, and gunk will build up around your kitchen faucet. Get in there and you’ll see what we’re talking about — and while you’re there, use an old toothbrush to scrub it clean and then wipe everything down with rubbing alcohol to erase any fingerprints or residue.

If you don’t have floor to ceiling cabinets, that gap between the top of the cupboards and the ceiling is primed for dust collection. Now, while you can’t see it from the floor, any potential buyer with a mild dust allergy will sure sense it. Swipe right (and left) to get rid of those sneeze-inducing specks.

Ah, yes, grout, the humble silent star of any backsplash…that is, until flecks of hot food fly at it, water gets splashed on it and mould (eww) begins to grow on it. Bring it back to its former glory with a homemade baking soda-and-water paste and spray bottle filled with a vinegar-and-water solution.

Kitchen cabinet handles, er, handle a lot of wear and tear. From greasy baker’s hands to little jam-smeared hands, the whole family pulls, yanks and tugs at those bad boys all day long. Give them a solid disinfecting wipe down before any open-house visitors begin testing out the cupboard hinges. (You know they will.) It may be a pain but taking a little extra care to present the best side of your kitchen now can really pay off when those offers start rolling in.