How To Clean Gutters: 7 Simple Steps

In autumn, the leaves do more than just change colors and fall—they also start to clog your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to leaks and damage your roof over time, so it’s best to clean them at least once a year. If the thought of crawling around the roof and clawing out gunk has you procrastinating this chore, know that there are quick and easy ways to get the job done! 

How To Clean Gutters in 7 Simple Steps

While cleaning gutters may sound like a straightforward job you’ve been avoiding, it can be more than a nuisance. Exercise extreme caution when working on high rooftops or operating from a ladder. Whether you’re using power tools or clearing your gutters out by hand, always complete the task with safety in mind.

Step 1: Gather tools and materials

Clearing out gutters can be a messy job. To effectively clean them and keep your yard clean use everyday tools and materials:

• Ladder and stabilizer 
• Bucket 
• Heavy-duty protective gloves 
• Gutter/plastic scoop
• Safety glasses
• Garden hose
• Power tools of choice
• Gutter sealant
• Tarp (optional)

Step 2: Clear out the downspout 

Start with the downspout, flushing out any debris and clogs using a garden hose. This will help with drainage once you move to the gutters. You can also use a flexible rod with a brush on the end—commonly used for cleaning dryer vents—to clean it out. If needed, detach the downspout while flushing to help remove any clogs. 

Step 3: Remove debris from the gutter

Next, use a scoop or gutter cleaning tool to remove leaves and debris from the gutter. You can also use a brush or broom to help break apart any tough clumps. Wearing gloves, use your hands for large objects stuck in the gutter, such as branches. You might also consider attaching your bucket to the ladder with a hook to keep your hands free.

Step 4. Flush out the gutter

After removing debris and clogs, thoroughly spray the gutter with the garden hose. Be sure to keep the water pressure on the gutters while spraying to avoid loosening any roof shingles. 

Step 5. Flush the downspout again

Reattach the downspout to the gutters and continue flushing, ensuring proper drainage. If it’s not draining, this may indicate that there’s still a clog in the downspout. 

Step 6. Fix any leaks

Once the gutter is clear, check for any cracks or holes to repair potential leaks. Following the manufacturer instructions, use a gutter sealant to repair them. You can also use this time to note any loose gutters that need reinforcement.

Step 7. Install gutter guards

After your gutters are cleaned and repaired, consider installing gutter guards to help filter out leaves and other debris and prevent future clogs. Gutter guards come in several different styles to accommodate various needs. If you need help or are unsure of the best style, consider professional gutter guard installation.

How To Clean Gutters With Leaf Blower

Just as it replaces tedious raking on the ground, using a leaf blower to clean your gutters prevents the need to remove debris by hand. The most straightforward method is to climb a ladder onto the roof and walk along the edge, blowing the leaves out of the gutter as you go. However, this method can be dangerous, especially on a windy day or near powerlines. 

A safer method is to use an extension kit. This tool extends and curves your leaf blower’s reach, so you can safely clean the gutters while standing on the ground. You must wear goggles when using this method, as you are standing directly below falling debris. Following the step-by-step guide, you can swap out the scoop with this method to clean out debris in step 3.

How To Clean Gutters With Power Washer

If a storm hits before you have a chance to clean your gutters, the leaves may be sticky and wet. This makes leaf blowers and air compressors more challenging to work with. In this case, a better method may be to use a power washer (or a DIY gutter cleaning tool). 

Because of the force behind a high-pressure power washer, we recommend using a telescoping wand with a U-shaped attachment at the end so you can clean the gutters from ground level. Following the step-by-step guide, you can use this tool in place of the scoop and garden hose in steps 3 and 5.

When you’re finished cleaning, the debris will litter the ground at the bottom of the downspouts. You can pick it up with a rake or gloved hands, or you can sweep it away with a water broom. Debris may end up on your siding, windows, and anything else underneath. Consider removing patio furniture, and be prepared to power rinse your home afterward.

How To Clean Gutters With Wet/Dry Vacuum

Don’t want to pick up a mess on the ground after cleaning your gutters? Do it all at once by vacuuming the gunk with a wet/dry vac. You can do this while standing on a ladder or you can purchase an extension kit that allows you to reach the gutters from the ground.

Gutter Cleaning Safety Tips

Before you break out your creative gutter cleaning tools, remember to exercise caution while on the ladder or roof. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe:

• For high rooftops, use an extension ladder.
• Protect your hands with thick gardening gloves and wear work goggles to protect your eyes.
• Mr. Handyman advises against walking on the roof unless completely necessary. From the roof, leaning downhill to reach the gutter increases your risk of falling. Accessing the roof and gutters while using an extension ladder is the safest. We also recommend waiting until midday when the roof is dry.
• Before cleaning the gutters, make sure you clear debris off the roof itself so your gutters don’t clog again as soon as it rains! You can do this with a leaf blower or broom.
• If possible, have another person help hold the ladder while you’re cleaning the gutters. 

Get Help With Gutter Cleaning

Even with creative gutter cleaning tools at your side, this can still be a hazardous and time-consuming chore, depending on the size and type of gutters. 

If you don’t have the time or physical ability to clean the gutters yourself, turn the job over to Mr. Handyman®. We offer professional gutter cleaning services that include inspection and repair, meeting your gutter needs quickly and efficiently.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Gutter Cleaning FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about gutter cleaning.

How often should you clean your gutters?

We recommend you clean your gutters at least once a year, twice if possible. It’s also beneficial to inspect them at least once per year to check for damage.

What is the best thing to clean gutters with?

A power washer may be the best tool to clean your gutters, as it can help you remove debris and flush much more quickly than by hand. When paired with a telescoping wand, you can perform the task from the ground.

Is it safe to clean gutters by yourself?

If you choose to clean gutters on your own, know that it’s very risky to perform the work on a ladder without assistance. You put yourself at risk of falling and serious injury, especially if you have a two-story home. It's best to contact your local Mr. Handyman for help.