How to clean gutters — with or without a ladder
Knowing how to properly clean gutters can make the task a whole lot easier. Cleaning gutters is nobody’s favorite pastime – it’s gross, time-consuming and often dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. However, this job cannot be ignored; If you don’t clean your gutters, the leaves and any debris will eventually clump together and clog your gutters. That doesn’t sound so bad, but it really is; Water can overflow and run down your walls, causing flooding, damp walls, and even foundation damage. Additionally, standing water freezes as the temperature drops, adding excess weight to the gutter—enough for it to sag. So, it is important that you take care of this task in one way or another.
Whether you’re new to gutter cleaning or you already know, we’ve put together a guide to walk you through the best methods and tips to follow. This includes how to clean the gutters without a ladder in case you fear this aspect of the process or have accessibility issues. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and answer any questions you may have. Without further ado, here’s how to clean gutters.
How to clean gutters with a ladder
what you will need
Step ladder or sliding ladder
Plastic shovel
Bucket
gloves
Second person
Hose
1. Choose the right weather — First, make sure you choose the right day for this task. You shouldn’t do it if it has rained recently, otherwise the leaves will be damp and more difficult to remove. Wait for them to dry.
2. Choose the right tools for the job – Your ladder should be solid, sturdy, and adequate, with plenty of reach at a reasonable height. Depending on the height of the building, you could use a stepladder, but if you can’t easily access your gutters from that, an extension ladder will be required.
You’ll also need a large bucket to collect the dirt, a pair of strong rubber gloves (check out our list of the best gardening gloves for instructions), and a small plastic spade that fits in your gutter. Alternatively, you can buy special tools for this job, such as B. the V-trough cleaning blade ($11.99, Amazon (opens in new tab)). Make sure you wear practical clothes for work too – you’re likely to get dirty.
3. Find someone to help you — Even if you feel secure in this job, it is important that you have a second person to help you. They keep the ladder on the ground and can help empty the bucket and hand up tools.
4. Place the Ladder – You should start at the downspout and work your way down to the end of the gutter for reference. When setting up your ladder, make sure it is latched and stable and resting on a flat joint. You can use a ladder stabilizer to keep things steady when needed, such as B. the Louisville Ladder LP-2200-00 Stabilizer ($41.97, Amazon (opens in new tab)).
Make sure there are at least two free steps or rungs at the top of the ladder – if you have to cross this point or you are having trouble reaching it, the ladder is not high enough. whatever you do Don’t climb on the roof to clean your gutters.
5. Remove Leaves and Debris – With the shovel in your empty bucket, climb into position and hang it on your ladder where it’s easy to reach. Then start shoveling away any visible leaves and debris, filling the bucket as you go. You may also need to use your hands for large debris or awkward sections. Make sure you always have one hand on the ladder.
As you climb down the ladder to get to the next area, remember to empty the bucket into the compost pile as you go.
6. Rinse with water — It may take a good hour or so, but once you’ve worked your way around the gutters, you’re ready for the next step, which is to hose down any remaining dirt. Use the hose where you removed the leaves (at the end of the gutter) and flush the water down the downspout. If you want extra performance for this part you can always use a pressure washer like the Sun Joe SPX3000 ($167.54, Amazon (opens in new tab)).
Watch the water drain to check for leaks in your gutter. If you spot any, make a note of them as they will need to be repaired later.
7. Check the Downspout — While your gutter may look clean and shiny from above, don’t forget the downspout. Spray water in from above and check the speed at which it comes out – if the flow is slowed, something is blocking it.
You have several options for removing this blockage. First try using your hose to spray water from the ground into the downspout. Use the highest pressure you can for the greatest effect. You then have to run water through it again from above to flush the dirt.
Alternatively, you can run through a plumber’s snake to physically release the pipe, much like you use it for drains, such as. B. the DrainX Drain Auger Pro ($31.99, Amazon (opens in new tab)). You can also try using a leaf blower or wet/dry vacuum from under the downspout to push out the clog.
8. Make Necessary Repairs — Now that your gutters are sparkling clean, it’s time to make any necessary repairs. If you discovered leaks while flushing out the gutter, they will need to be patched with sealant. You can also install gutter guards and gutter screens to prevent future problems.
Make sure the angle and position of your gutters are appropriate for water drainage – adjust if necessary. If parts are completely torn or have become detached from the wall, they must be replaced.
9. Keep an eye on your gutters – Don’t forget to check your gutters regularly in the future to keep an eye on any clogs. Would you believe it is one of the best uses for a drone if you own one
How to clean gutters without a ladder
If ladders are a no-go, there are still ways you can safely clean your gutters from the ground up. Although practically you can’t see your progress that well.
First, for light soiling, you can simply use a hose to flush the leaves away. All you have to do is combine your hose with an extension tool, such as B. the Orbit 58543 telescopic gutter cleaning rod ($30, Amazon (opens in new tab)). This attaches directly to your hose and has an adjustable nozzle so you can direct it down the gutter. If you own a pressure washer there are also attachments to extend the range such as B. Xiny Tool pressure washer extension rod ($33.99, Amazon (opens in new tab)).
Some leaf blowers and wet/dry vacuums also come equipped with extendable gutter cleaning attachments, so be sure to check if you already have what you need. You can use any of these methods from the ground, but if the blockage persists and you can’t find it from here, a professional may be needed.
You can always hire a professional to do this task if you are worried about it. Just don’t ignore it or your gutters can damage your property.
How often should you clean the gutters?
All in all, you should clean your gutters twice a year on average, ideally in spring and autumn. However, depending on several factors, it may be necessary to do this more often. First, if your house is surrounded by a type of tree that falls regularly, such as B. Pines, you may need to clean your gutters every three months. If you live in an area that suffers from severe storms or strong winds, you will need to check your gutters after each storm, once the situation has calmed down.
For more tips, tricks and guidance, check out our guides on how to overseed your lawn in the fall and when to do it, how to clean a chimney and when to stop mowing your lawn for the winter. Also check out 12 tips to prepare your home for fall.