How to Clean Gutters in 5 Steps

Gutters drain water from the roof, but if leaves and other debris block the water flow, it’s time to get your work gloves dirty and clean them. First, scoop out the debris or use a leaf blower to clear your gutters. Then, rinse your gutters with a garden hose. 

Keeping your gutters clean prevents clogs and water buildup that can cause leaks and other issues. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how you can clean your gutters, so they can look good while draining water from your roof. 

What You’ll Need

• Extension ladder
• Ladder stabilizer
• Gutter scoop or trowel
• Garden hose
• Spray nozzle
• Leaf or hand blower
• Work gloves 
• Safety glasses
• 2 buckets
• 2 ladder hooks 

Safety Tips: 

• Always wear work gloves to protect your hands from debris or sharp metal. Additionally, wear safety glasses, especially when using a leaf or hand blower. 
• Never walk on the roof to clean your gutters, as you could slip and fall.
• Avoid cleaning your gutters after rain or if it’s windy.
• Stay clear of electrical lines leading to the house.

You’ll need a ladder to climb up to your gutters so you can clean them. Follow these tips so you can clean your gutters safely: 

• Always set your ladder on stable, level ground.
• Don’t use a step ladder; it’s prone to tipping. Use an extension ladder and a ladder stabilizer to reach your gutters.
• Ask someone to be your spotter to hold up the ladder or hand you tools.
• And don’t overreach. Instead, move your ladder to where you can easily reach the part of the gutters you want to clean. 

Read More: How to Clean Gutters Safely Using a Ladder

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Materials

Debris can be wet or dry, depending on the weather and how long it’s been sitting in your gutters. When cleaning gutters with wet debris, wear nitrile gloves under your work gloves to avoid getting your hands soaked. On the other hand, use a leaf or hand blower when removing dry debris. 

• Place your ladder on a dry, level surface. Use your ladder stabilizer to secure it in place.
• Attach two buckets to your ladder with hooks–one bucket to hold your gutter cleaning tools and the other for debris. Or place a plastic sheet on the ground where you can drop the debris. Ensure the ladder isn’t standing on the plastic sheet. 

One of the maintenance staff in our apartment complex, Sayde, who has over a decade of experience with gutters, explained that he always wears gloves whenever he cleans the gutters to protect his hands, especially when removing leaves and debris. 

Reddit user inexplorata shares how they use a leaf blower to clean their gutters: 

LPT: Clean your gutters with the leaf blower.
byu/inexplorata inLifeProTips

If you’re cleaning gutters on your home’s first storey, read our article about Ways to Clean Gutters from the Ground.

Step 2: Start with the Downspouts

When cleaning gutters, always start by removing debris near the downspout. 

• First, remove the downspout strainer and clear the debris inside the strainer. 
• Scoop out all the debris near the downspout by hand, especially if your gutters have wet debris. Dispose of the debris in the designated debris bucket.

Step 3: Clean the Gutters

Once the area near the downspouts is clean, it’s time to clear the debris from the rest of your gutters. 

• Use a leaf or hand blower to push dry debris out of the gutters. Start at the far end of the gutter and work toward the downspout. 
• Remove any compacted or caked-on debris by hand, with a trowel or gutter scoop. Mix and match these methods to find what works best for you. Always wear work gloves while doing this. 
• Dispose of the debris in the designated debris bucket. 

When I asked him what his preferred gutter cleaning method was, Sayde said he prefers picking up leaves and mud by hand. He also mentions that he brings an extra bucket whenever he cleans the gutters, so he won’t have to take too many trips up and down the ladder. 

Step 4: Rinse the Gutters

Now that most of the debris has been removed, it’s time to flush the remaining debris from the gutters. 

• Attach the spray nozzle to the garden hose. 
• Flush out the debris with a strong stream of water. Start at the end and rinse toward the downspout.
• Avoid spraying under the shingles to avoid loosening them. 

Step 5: Test the Water Flow 

Now that you’ve cleaned out your gutters and downspout, ensure they work correctly by running water through them to check for good flow and to spot leaks.

• Use the hose to flush the gutters again. The water should flow freely toward the downspouts and immediately drain from the gutters. 
• Don’t forget to reattach the downspout strainer. 

If water doesn’t immediately drain from the gutters, your downspouts may be clogged, or your gutter slope needs to be adjusted. 

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Being proactive when cleaning your gutters is always better than having to deal with bigger problems caused by clogged gutters, such as leaks, basement flooding, or rotting fascia boards. One small step up your ladder is one giant leap in preventing gutter or water damage.

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Main Photo: Cleaning gutters using a trowel. Photo Credit: Skórzewiak / Adobe Stock

Olivia Solomon-Afable

I’m a writer who is fond of beautiful, cozy homes. I adore antique decor, unique lamps, and comfortable reading chairs. In my free time, I enjoy playing farming games, baking cookies, and spending time with my cats.

Posts by Olivia Solomon-Afable