Climbing a ladder to clean gutters can be tedious and messy. Fortunately, there are several ways to make the job easier and avoid costly roof, wall, foundation, or landscaping damage.
Begin by attaching a gutter cleaning nozzle to your hose and extending it to the length needed for reaching your gutters. Start at one end and work your way around, checking downspouts for clogs as you go.
1. Use a Leaf Blower
If you’ve looked for quick gutter cleaning tips on the internet, you’ve probably seen videos that demonstrate the use of a leaf blower to remove debris. This method can be effective, but it’s important to use the right tool and take precautions. You’ll want to wear protective gloves and eye protection. A dust mask can also be helpful to prevent inhalation of small particles and contaminants. Before beginning, ensure that your ladder is stable and secure in a stable location, and make sure to wear sturdy work boots.
Begin by directing the blower’s air stream through the gutters, clearing away debris as you move along. Be careful not to blow the debris into your downspouts, which can cause clogs. If you are unable to clear out all of the debris, consider using a hose to flush the central gutter troughs and downspouts.
It is best to work in sections, utilizing the blower as you work through each area of your gutter system. Start at one end of the section and work toward the middle, ensuring that all areas are cleared out. For difficult-to-reach places, you can also use a hand scoop or a gutter brush to dislodge stubborn debris.
Work on a dry, warm day to avoid saturating the leaves with water and reducing your effectiveness. Once the gutters are completely clean, you’ll need to rake up and dispose of all of the discarded gunk. If you’ve used a gutter blower, it’s a good idea to use a tarp or bucket to contain the debris, and a garden trowel or scoop is useful for removing compacted debris.
Whether you’re working by hand or using a blower, be prepared for a messy job. Gunk from clogged gutters is usually a mixture of wet leaves, twigs, dirt, and dead bugs that has decayed into a sticky mush. This can be a hazardous mix, and if you don’t take care to protect yourself properly, it could lead to serious injury. Be sure to wear durable work gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask when cleaning gutters.
2. Clean by Hand
Using a gutter cleaner designed to dissolve stuck-on dirt, grime, and stains can make the job of cleaning your gutters much easier. You can find these products at most home improvement stores and online retailers. Just be sure to read the label and follow the instructions for use. Some of these products may require a special hose attachment or a garden nozzle. Using a high-pressure water nozzle can increase the power of the spray and help you reach hard-to-reach places in your gutters.
Another option for cleaning your gutters is to manually scrub them. This method can be time consuming, but it can also be very effective at removing stubborn dirt and grime. To clean your gutters by hand, you will need a ladder, a bucket, a gutter scoop or garden trowel, and heavy-duty work gloves. Begin by grabbing all of the debris that you can easily reach. Place the debris into the bucket. Afterwards, you will need to scrub away any caked-on grime and algae, moss, or mildew buildup. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Avoid using too much force, as you might damage the surface of your gutters.
When you are finished scrubbing your gutters, rinse them with a hose to remove any remaining dirt and grime. If you notice any stains, you can repeat the scrubbing process until your gutters are clean and free of residue.
It is important to wear gloves when you are cleaning your gutters by hand, as the gunk in your gutters contains a mix of leaves, dirt, and rotting bird, pigeon, and squirrel droppings that can be ridden with bacteria. Gloves will protect your hands from the dirty, rotting debris and will prevent painful cuts from torn metal shards. Be sure to wear rubber, leather, or thick cloth gloves to ensure maximum protection. It is also essential to wear a safety harness while working on a ladder, and be sure to have someone standing on the ground to watch your progress and call an ambulance in case of an emergency. Some expert Knoxville roofers also recommended to pick a day that is not rainy or windy to work on your gutters.
3. Use a Gutter Sense Tool
Gutter Sense tools let you clean your gutters without standing on a ladder. You simply attach the tool to any extension pole and then use a rope or handle to control its scoop-shaped arms, which can grab debris including leaves, twigs, and other small objects. This is a great method for people who don’t want to use ladders, but still need to make sure that their gutters are cleaned thoroughly and safely.
As with any gutter cleaning method, you should start by removing coarse dirt and other large debris by hand. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in your downspouts, causing water flow issues and potential damage to your home. Once the large debris has been removed, it’s time to clean out the gutters themselves using a brush or vacuum. This is a great opportunity to check for any areas of wear or damage and address them as needed.
When cleaning your gutters by hand, be sure to use gloves. These will protect your hands from dirty, rotting debris that often contains bird, pigeon, and squirrel droppings that are ridden with bacteria. It’s also a good idea to use thick, suede gloves rather than cotton or leather because they can be more maneuverable and are less likely to tear.
Once you have all of your gloves on, start by working from the corners of the gutter section toward the middle. This will prevent you from pushing any debris into the downspouts and clogging them. When you reach the middle, you can then rinse the gutters with a hose and inspect them for any blockages.
If you find any blockages, you can use a plumber’s snake or high-pressure nozzle to dislodge them. Once your gutters are completely clear, you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of a clean, well-functioning gutter system! Remember to always take precautions when cleaning your gutters, and be sure to use a ladder that’s stable and in a safe location. Taking these steps will help you to avoid dangerous falls and keep your gutters in top condition for years to come.
4. Use a Hose
This is a very effective method for dislodging packed dirt and debris, but it might not work as well on caked-on sludge. It’s also messy, with water and debris potentially splattering. If you use this method, be sure to wear comfortable work clothes and have a receptacle (such as garbage bags) for discarded debris.
Start by attaching a gutter cleaning nozzle to your hose and extending it to a length that comfortably reaches the gutters from the ground (usually a telescopic extension pole). Secure the ladder in place on a stable surface and position yourself so that the nozzle is inside the gutter. Turn on the water and begin spraying it into the gutter. This should quickly dislodge leaves, twigs and other debris. Continue spraying the inside of the gutter and directing the flow of water into downspouts until the entire gutter is clean and free of debris.
Once the gutter is clean, you can spray a degreasing solution or an all-purpose household cleaner onto the gutter to break down any remaining grease and grime. Some manufacturers even offer gutter cleaners that contain powerful detergents that dissolve and wash away stubborn grease, oil, dirt, mud and other stains. Be sure to test these cleaners on a small section of your gutters before applying them to the whole system.
To keep your gutters clear and working properly, set up a regular maintenance schedule. Plan to clean them at least twice a year, though more frequent cleaning may be necessary if your home is located under large trees or if you have a very steep roof. Trim overhanging tree branches to reduce the amount of debris that falls into the gutters, and install downspout screens to catch smaller leaves and twigs. These are all easy and effective ways to keep your gutters from becoming clogged, and to protect your home from water and structural damage. Be sure to use a sturdy ladder and safety gear when climbing to access your gutters, and always work with another person if possible. If you are not comfortable working from a ladder, or your gutters are especially clogged, call a professional gutter cleaning service.