How to clean gutters

Clean gutters are key to the overall health of your home. Clogged gutters can cause issues with water seepage, and if left unresolved, can cause problems with the foundations, framing and walls of your home.

Reaching your gutters isn’t always easy, and adverse weather conditions can make it trickier. Staying safe when cleaning out the backlog in your gutters is paramount. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional your neighbours know and trust (read our gutter cleaning cost guide for more information) to do this job for you.

Still looking to do it yourself? Read on for three different ways to clean your gutters.

How to clean gutters

The gutter cleaning tools you need

• Hosepipe and various attachments
• Safety goggles, boots and gloves
• Garden trowel
• Garden waste bucket
• Ladder
• Old cloth/rag
• White vinegar
• Waterproofs

How to clean gutters from the ground

Knowing how to clean gutters without a ladder is the safest way to remove debris. However, when it comes to larger jobs, standing on the ground isn’t the most efficient way to ensure a deep clean. Also, several of these methods are messy and only partially effective.

With that said, here are five ways you can clean your gutters from the ground without a ladder:

1. Using a garden hose with a ‘U’ shaped attachment
2. Purchasing a specialised gutter vacuum
3. Hiring a power washer
4. Using your leaf blower
5. A gutter flusher cleaning product

How to clean gutters with a pressure washer

This section is going to focus on how to clean gutters and downspouts. Follow these six steps to clean your gutters using a pressure washer:

1. Take out your pressure washer and fit the appropriate attachment. Test it against your driveway/concrete pavement to make sure the spray is thin and direct enough to avoid it spilling over your gutters. This also lets you work out how to control the washer
2. Put on your safety equipment and waterproofs and place your ladder (if you’re using one) directly under the gutters. Make sure it’s as secure as possible (maybe ask a friend or family member to help)
3. Test your hose to make sure it reaches the gutters you want to flush. If not, you’ll need to use an extension wand
4. Before you begin, scoop out any large amount of debris by hand or with a trowel. This stops bulky debris from being blown across your property or blocking your downspouts
5. Now you’ve prepped, it’s time to turn on the pressure washer and get to work. Start from the downspout on the inside of the gutter and slowly follow the gutter’s trajectory until it’s all clean. This helps to prevent your downspouts from being clogged
6. Finally, make sure you clean up any mess!

How to clean gutters above a conservatory

The best way to remove debris from your conservatory gutters is with a handheld garden trowel. As conservatories are usually flat-roofed and situated near trees, debris build-up can happen quickly. That’s why we recommend cleaning out your downpipes and gutters at least twice a year. Once you’ve removed the impacted matter, wipe your pipes down with a damp cloth to keep the surfaces smooth. This removes lumps and bumps that trap dirt and hasten the build-up of debris.

If you’re looking to get the rest of your conservatory cleaned, it’s worth taking a look at our uPVC cleaning prices.

Note: For this method, you’ll need to use a ladder to reach your gutters.

FAQs

What is the easiest way to clean gutters?

The easiest and less intensive way to clean gutters is by hand. All you need is a bucket, scoop, work gloves, and a ladder. However, there are safety concerns to be aware of, such as securing your ladder and making sure the area is risk assessed before you can begin.

What is the best thing to clean gutters with?

To make sure you deep clean your gutters, try an at-home solution such as white vinegar and water mixtures, which will thoroughly clean your gutters without corroding them. Alternatively, washing up liquid or washing detergent work well.

Can I clean gutters myself?

If you’re wondering whether you should hire a professional or do the job yourself, we recommend assessing the job at hand and working out whether it requires a thorough or simple clean. For example, if there’s a large amount of debris, it’s worth spending a little extra to ensure a professional job.

When you hire one of our trusted professionals, you’re able to see their profile and view their customer reviews. Even better, those reviews are from your neighbours and checked by us to make sure they’re legitimate. Not only that, but if you book one of our members for the job, we guarantee their work, which gives you the extra peace of mind and security that you and your house is in safe hands.

How much should I pay to have my gutters cleaned?

We’re glad you asked! Our gutter cleaning cost guide has everything you need to know about how much this project might set you back. Read for a comprehensive breakdown of prices.