Pressure washing can transform dingy, clogged channels into clean, functional drainage systems that protect your home from water damage.
And it’s not complicated, although pressure washing can be somewhat physically demanding. Simply clean accumulated sticks and leaves from inside the gutters, spray out loose debris, then apply a cleaning solution and rinse it away.
Learn how to pressure wash your gutters, removing stubborn buildup quicker than cleaning by hand. We’ll show you how to do it safely and effectively.
Before you begin, you may want to understand the difference between power washing and pressure washing to ensure you’re using the right technique. Read more about “Power Washing vs. Pressure Washing.”
For a complete breakdown of services and pricing, see “How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?“
| Project difficulty: Intermediate – Requires careful handling to avoid injury and damage to property. Estimated time to complete: 2 to 3 hours, depending on your home size and skill level. Project cost: $0 – $250, depending on the cleaning solution used, and whether you own, rent, or buy a pressure washer. |
What You Need
With the correct pressure washer and tools, you can clean your gutters in less than an hour. Here are the gutter cleaning tools that can make the job easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pressure washer: Gas or electric model between 1,500 and 2,000 PSI. Gas models provide better mobility because there are no electrical cords and higher gallons per minute output.
- Extension wand and attachment: 8-24 foot telescoping pole with curved/U-shaped gutter attachment for ground-level cleaning found in gutter cleaning kits.
- A ladder, if you’re not going to use the long nozzle attachment to clean from the ground.
- Pressure washer nozzles: White (40°) nozzle to create a wider spray pattern that won’t damage gutter seams.
- Cleaning solution: Either a commercial gutter cleaner or a DIY mix for battling stubborn stains and grime.
- Safety gear: Goggles or safety glasses and a hat to protect your face. Wear non-slip, closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, and pants to protect from debris and splashback.
- Garden hose: Long enough to reach the areas you are working in.
- Plastic sheeting: Cover plants and delicate landscaping to protect them from the cleaning solution and debris.
A pressure washer is a versatile tool that can transform many outdoor cleaning tasks. Learn more about “The Many Uses for a Pressure Washer,” to see how buying a pressure washer is right for you.
Cleaning Solutions
Water alone removes debris from your gutters. But to remove the unsightly stains, you have to use a detergent. Some of the best gutter cleaners include:
- Krud Kutter: A powerful, biodegradable cleaner that effectively breaks down grime and stains.
- Simple Green: An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner that’s safe for aluminum and vinyl gutters.
- Gutter Butter: A specialized gutter cleaning formula designed to dissolve tough mineral deposits and remove black streaks.
If you want an eco-friendly gutter cleaning solution, try white vinegar. Just add 1/2 a cup of vinegar per gallon of water. White vinegar is readily available in gallon jugs at grocery stores and provides an inexpensive cleaning solution. Plus it’s very effective against mold and mildew.
Step 1: Prep Your Work Area
Before cleaning your gutters, clear the area around the perimeter of your home to prevent damage from falling debris and avoid tripping hazards Remember, you’ll be looking up much of the time and may not see obstacles.
- Move outdoor furniture, planters, and other items away from the house.
- Cover sensitive plants with plastic sheeting to protect them from debris and cleaning solution.
- Check for power lines or cables that may get in the way of your extended wand.
- Ensure you have a stable place to stand throughout your work areas.
Step 2: Set Up Your Pressure Washer and Attachments
Gather your gear and set up all your equipment to get the job done safely and quickly.
If you opted for an electric pressure washer, make sure you and the machine are away from standing water, use GFCI-protected outlets only, cover all electrical connections, and keep them off the ground to stay safe from electric shock.
- Connect your garden hose to the pressure washer.
- Attach the telescoping wand and adjust to the height needed for your gutters.
- Attach the white (40-degree) nozzle. It offers a medium-width spray that balances cleaning power and coverage.
- Test the spray pattern and intensity on a small section of your driveway or walkway first to get comfortable with the kickback and ensure your settings are good.
Step 3: Rinse the Gutters With Water
Remove accumulations of sticks, leaves and caked dirt by hand first. This will prevent clogging your downspouts and keep debris from spraying around your head while working.
- Begin by spraying along the soffit under your gutters, from the outer edge toward the house. This cleans away dirt that could block airflow, preventing moisture buildup that causes wood rot and other damage.
- Spray the inside of the gutter trough, flushing debris away from the downspouts.
Step 4: Apply Cleaner
Apply detergent to loosen the grime. The cleaning solution can be added to the detergent reservoir or via an attached tube, depending on the model you’re using.
- Switch to the black soap nozzle and apply the cleaning solution evenly to the gutter surface, working methodically from one end to ensure thorough coverage.
- Work in small sections, treating both inside and outside surfaces. Let the solution sit for 5 to 15 minutes to work its magic. For commercial cleaners, check the bottle for a specific time.
- Avoid saturating areas because the extra solution may run off, which can damage surrounding plants and landscaping below.
Step 5: Rinse Again
It’s time for a thorough rinse. This step will wash away all mildew, grime, and stubborn dirt. If any spots remain, you may need to repeat steps 4 and 5.
- Switch back to the white (40-degree) nozzle and maintain a distance of about 2 feet from the gutter surface to clean without damaging your gutters.
- Spray in smooth, sweeping motions and work from top to bottom to avoid leaving streaks.
- Thoroughly rinse your gutters to remove mildew, grime, and dirt. You may need to repeat the cleaning process for stubborn spots.
- Flush downspouts and rinse away any soap residue from the siding.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Cleanup
Inspect your gutters for leaks and damage during cleaning. Focus especially on corners and seams between gutter sections, which are common trouble spots for leaks.
- Repair small holes with adhesive patches. For leaks at the seams, you can seal them with silicone sealant and replace loose spikes or damaged gutter sections.
- Rake large debris from the ground.
- Rinse away any dirt that splashed onto the siding and windows.
Quick tip: If you install gutter guards, especially micro-mesh, cleaning your gutters once a year in late fall will suffice. Gutter guards minimize debris buildup, which, in turn, increases the life of your gutters by preventing pest infestations, mold growth, and rust.
For more tips on how to clean your gutters, check out the following guides:
Why Pressure Wash Your Gutters
Gutters collect debris, and if you don’t clean them regularly, water will overflow, defying the purpose of installing a gutter system. Regularly cleaning your gutters will help extend their lifespan and protect your property.
Check out our guide on “The Benefits of Pressure Washing.” to learn more ways a pressure washer can help protect your home and its curb appeal.
FAQs About Pressure Washing Gutters
Experts suggest cleaning gutters at least twice a year, during early spring and late fall. Regular gutter maintenance is essential for protecting your home from water damage. Here’s when to clean your gutters
It depends on the size of your home and how much build-up your gutters contain. But, on average, it takes about an hour to pressure wash the gutters on a 2,000-square-foot home.
Renting a pressure washer can cost you about $60 a day, while a new 2.5-gallon per minute (GPM) pressure washer costs about $300. Gutter cleaning is a recurring job, so buying a pressure washer may be a better option.
The Final Word
A pressure washer can make gutter cleaning a lot easier. You don’t have to worry about falling from the ladder or getting your hands dirty. Remember to wear safety equipment and use the right nozzle for cleaning your gutters.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pressure washing services and leave the rest to us. They can also help you with gutter installation, repair, and everything related to gutters.
Further Reading
Expand your pressure washing know-how with these helpful guides:
Main Photo Credit: AminaDesign / Adobe Stock, Generated with AI
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