If you’ve been noticing that your gutters are looking a little dirty, don’t worry! You’re not alone. Dirty gutters can be an eyesore and they also pose some risks to the overall health of your home. It’s time for you to get out there and clean them! But before we get started on that, let’s talk about some important things to know about gutter cleaning in general. For one thing, it’s important to note that most experts recommend doing this job during the winter months when leaves aren’t falling from trees. This is because if they’re stuck in your gutters, they can create more of a mess than usual – especially if you have heavy rains! Winter also happens to be a good time of year for this job because you’re less likely to get out there and do it yourself in the rain.
How to Clean Your Gutters
Leaf blower
Many leaf blowers come with a nozzle that allows you to release a narrow stream of air, which is ideal for cleaning gutters. Place your ladder so that you can make your way up to the downspout, blowing out any obstructions along the way. (Watch out for leaves flying into the downspout.) Remove any remaining leaves or twigs with a hose as the last step.
Vacuum Cleaner (Wet/Dry)
Experiment with a wet/dry vacuum to remove heavier debris from your gutters. The hoses and curved attachments you’ll need to reach the clogged gutters from a standing position on the ground are probably available at your local home improvement store. Before the vacuum can remove stubborn, stuck-on debris, it may need to be wet. Once you’ve removed the majority of the debris, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspout.
Power Washer
If it has been a while since you cleaned out your gutter, over time a coating of dirt and debris may have accumulated. With your power washer’s fine-spray nozzle, blow it away. (Be prepared to rinse the roof and outside walls afterward; this form of cleaning can get dirty.) A pressure washer is the best solution for clogged downspouts in particular. Simply place the nozzle down the hole and rinse the shaft until it is clean.
Garden Hose
You can clear your gutters with a garden hose as long as they are not completely clogged. You can work on the ground rather than on a ladder if the hose has the appropriate attachment (a rigid tube with a curved end). Start flushing the length of the channel from the farthest end away from the downspout; remove any residual material by hand before it dries out.