Keeping gutters clean and functioning properly is a very important homeowner maintenance task. If your gutters and downspouts get clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris, water will not drain properly away from your home, and that could mean damage to siding and other exterior materials, your foundation, landscaping, and more. To ensure water is flowing freely through the gutters and not overflowing and creating issues, experts suggest cleaning gutters at least once per year. Below are ways you can clean your gutters, either from the ground or on a ladder. Note: Cleaning gutters from your roof is not recommended. Not only is it a safety hazard, but walking on your roof can loosen shingles.

Inspect and Repair Before Cleaning

Before you begin the cleaning process, do a thorough inspection of the gutters to make sure there is no damage to them. Look for the following that will either need to be repaired or indicate that part of the gutter needs to be replaced:

  • Cracks or splits: Any crack or split can allow water to drip down onto other materials and damage them. Left unchecked, small cracks and splits can expand and create bigger issues. If you find a crack or split, it is best to replace that section of gutter.
  • Paint damage or rust: Indicates that water is sitting in that part of the gutter for long periods of time due to clogging or a gutter that has evened out and is no longer sloped properly. Start by cleaning out the gutter, then run water through that are and watch for any that doesn’t flow properly or that gets “stuck” there when you stop running water through the gutter. Once you have fully cleaned gutters and/or re-sloped the gutter if needed, touch up paint in that area. If you have excess rust or paint damage, you may want to replace that section.
  • Water damage or water marks: If you see water damage or water marks underneath the gutters, you may have a leak or overflowing gutters. Look for clogs that could be overflowing the gutters. If there are no clogs in the area, the likely cause is a crack or split – replace that section of gutter.
  • Sagging gutters: Gutters should never sag or pull away from your home. If yours do this, replace those gutters to ensure you have proper drainage.

Cleaning Your Gutters from the Ground

Once you have inspected and repaired gutters as needed, it’s time to get started on cleaning. If you would prefer to do so without climbing on a ladder, there are a couple of ways to do that. Note: Because you can’t see in the gutters from the ground, you need to take your time and methodically clean to ensure you don’t miss anything.

With a Garden Hose: This method will only work for gutters that do not have a lot of dirt and debris caked into the gutter. If it’s been a while or you know a lot of debris has worked its way into the gutters, this method likely will not work for you. Also, this method can get messy with water, leaves, and other small debris likely to spray out the sides of the gutter, so you’ll want to dress accordingly and take precautions like wearing safety glasses.

  1. Attach a long extension pole made with rigid material that has a curved end to your hose.
  2. Starting at the end away from the downspout, spray water into the gutter. Slowly move along the entire length of the channel until you work your way to the downspout. Watch the downspout as you go to ensure water is coming out properly and cleanly. You may have to make more than one pass with your hose to get all the dirt and debris out.
  3. As you work on the cleaning, keep an eye out for leaks that may need to be repaired after the gutter is clean.

With a Wet/Dry Vacuum: You can buy special hoses and curved attachments that will allow you to reach the gutters from the ground.

  1. Attach the hoses and curved attachment to your wet/dry vacuum.
  2. Starting at the end away from the downspout, start vacuuming out leaves, dirt, and debris. Slowly move along the entire length of the channel until you have worked your way to the downspout.
  3. Once you’ve removed the bulk of the debris, flush the gutters and downspouts with water from a garden hose to ensure you have cleared the gutter and water is flowing properly. Also, keep an eye out for leaks along the gutter channel so you can repair those once you are done cleaning.

Cleaning Your Gutters with a Ladder

Cleaning on a ladder is going to give you a better clean because you can see into the gutters and make sure you get everything that could be clogging the system. However, climbing on ladders can be dangerous, so use caution and take appropriate precautions to avoid hurting yourself. Avoid a step ladder that can tip and use a telescoping ladder that has stabilizer arms. It’s also a good idea to have another person on the ground to hold the ladder while you are working.

With a Leaf Blower: Many leaf blowers come with an attachment designed to release a powerful air stream that is perfect for blowing leaves and other debris out of the gutter. Because materials are likely to fly, wearing safety glasses is recommended.

  1. Block the downspout with a rag or old towel to prevent debris from going down it and clogging it up.
  2. Position your ladder on one end of the gutter channel (either end works).
  3. Blow debris out of the gutter, starting at one end and working your way to the other end.
  4. Flush out any lingering leaves, dirt, or debris with your garden hose (don’t forget to remove the rag or towel first to allow water to drain down the downspout). Make sure the gutters are draining and there are no leaks in need of repair.

With a Power Washer: This option is great if you haven’t cleaned in a while and there is a layer of dirt built up along with a lot of debris in the channel. This type of cleaning can get dirty, so dress accordingly and be prepared to do some clean-up afterward, such as rinsing off the roof and siding.

  1. Attach the fine-spray nozzle to your power washer.
  2. Starting at the end furthest from the downspout, point the nozzle down into the gutter and rinse until there is no more debris. Continue down the length of the channel until all dirt and debris is removed and water flows freely through the gutter and down the downspout. Also, keep an eye out for leaks that may need to be repaired after cleaning.

By Hand: This is another effective way to clean gutters with a lot of dirt and debris in them. You’ll want a ladder, bucket, gutter scoop or garden trowel, and heavy-duty work gloves.

  1. Starting at the end furthest from the downspout, get on your ladder and remove any dirt or debris you find with your gloved hands or using the gutter scoop or garden trowel. Place what you remove in the bucket. Continue this all the way down the channel until it is clear of dirt and debris.
  2. Flush the gutters with water to ensure it is draining properly. Also, keep an eye out for leaks that may need to be repaired after cleaning.

Blocked Downspouts

If you have a blocked downspout and water does not flush the clog out, you can try using a stick, handle of a yard tool, or small plumber’s snake to try and clear the obstruction. Rinse with a hose after to ensure you have fully cleared the blockage.

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