Cleaning gutters may not be a task that’s high on your list, but the fact is dirty, clogged gutters can really wreak havoc on your home. They can cause foundation problems, wall and ceiling damage, and even insect infestations.
Proper gutter maintenance is essential, and learning how to clean gutters is easier than you think. You just need to know more about the different methods of cleaning gutters to decide what you’re most comfortable with. Before cleaning your gutter, first things first, you must make sure that you wear proper cleaning equipment like gloves, to protect yourself from harmful chemicals that you use during the process, aside from that to protect your hands from insects and pests that might bite you. For good quality gloves, BuyGloves gives the best ones.
Make sure to keep reading this guide to learn how to clean your gutters effectively!
Cleaning Gutters From the Ground
The safest way to clean gutters is from the ground. It’s also very effective, so you don’t have to worry about your gutters not getting as clean. The trick to cleaning gutters from the ground is to go slowly and take it one section at a time since you can’t see what you’re doing.
You can use various tools when you clean your gutters from the ground, which include:
Wet/Dry Vac
First, you’ll need a wet/dry vac and a gutter-cleaning accessory kit. These kits work perfectly with wet/dry vacs on one or two-story homes. You’ll find several tubes that fit together to form a long tube. You can use this long tube and connect it to your shop vac.
Using a shop vac is the neater way to go, but it may not remove solid sludge or heavy clumps of wet leaves. Therefore, once you’re done, you’ll need a hose to rinse the gutters.
Pressure Washer
You can also use a special attachment that works with a pressure washer from Hotsy of Houston. These attachments have aluminum tubes that fit together, extending up to 18 feet. There is a curved gutter-cleaning attachment at the top that you can use to clean the leaves and mud out of your gutters.
It’s best to clean your gutters with a pressure washer when the leaves are dry. Once leaves become damp, they’re more challenging to clean from the ground. Avoid cleaning gutters from the ground during high winds. So, if you’re looking to maintain your gutters and protect your home from potential water damage, you can order pressure washer trailers in Texas to ensure a seamless and efficient cleaning process.
Cleaning Gutters Using a Ladder
Climbing a ladder to clean your gutters isn’t as safe, but some people prefer being able to see their gutters while cleaning. To reduce your safety risks, you need to be sure you use the right ladder.
The best type of ladder to use is an extension ladder with stabilizer arms to brace it against the siding. Avoid step ladders since they can tip over easily. You should also have somebody who stays on the ground to hold the ladder. They can also hand you tools when you need them.
There are different methods you can go with when you clean your gutters with a ladder, including:
Plastic Tarp
This method consists of scooping leaves and debris from the gutters and dropping them onto a plastic tarp on the ground. Using a plastic tarp is quick; all you need to do is move the plastic tarp along with you.
Once it gets full, you’ll need to put the leaves in a trash bag or compost bin.
Gutter Bucket
This is a popular method involving a plastic bucket with a metal handle. You’ll need to cut the handle directly at the center. Next, bend the halves into hook shapes so you can hang them on the edge of your gutter.
You’ll then scoop out the debris and leaves from the gutter and put them into the bucket. The only downside is that you’ll have to empty the bucket frequently. So, if you don’t have someone helping, you’ll make many trips up and down the ladder.
Gutter Bag
A gutter bag is an excellent solution if you have a lot of dry leaves and debris. For this method, you’ll need a bucket with a metal handle. Cut the metal handle in half to form hooks and cut off the bottom of the bucket. Put a trash bag around the bucket and secure it with duct tape or a rubber band near the metal handle.
The benefit of this method is that the bucket allows the leaves to funnel into the trash bag, giving you more space for the leaves. Your bucket won’t become too heavy when the leaves and debris are dry and light.
Ultimately you’ll save yourself from going up and down the ladder too many times.
Leaf Blower
Most leaf blowers have nozzle attachments that make them perfect for blowing twigs and leaves out of gutters. You’ll first need to block the downspout with a towel or rag to prevent leaves from getting into it.
Then you can blast away all the leaves and debris, using a hose to flush out any remaining leaves.
Clean by Hand
Finally, if you want to keep it simple, you can clean your gutters by hand. You’ll need a bucket, ladder, work gloves, and a garden trowel or gutter scoop. Just remove the leaves, a handful at a time, and place them into the bucket.
When you’ve removed most of the leaves you can use a hose to flush out the gutters and downspout to ensure everything is clear. If your downspouts are clogged, try clearing them with a power washer or plumber’s snake.
Call the Professionals
If you’re uncomfortable cleaning your home gutters, or it’s too physically demanding, then it’s best to call the professionals. You can find many companies that clean residential gutters that you can schedule a few times a year. Be sure to do your research to find a reputable and experienced company before signing any contracts.
It’s also wise to look for ways to prevent build-up from occurring in the first place. For example, companies like K-Guard Gutter System Installation can install leaf-free gutter systems. They’ll need to remove your old gutter system first and will install the new system on the same day.
Having gutter guards prevents leaves and debris from accumulating in your gutter. It will also fix any drainage issues you’ve been having.
Learning How to Clean Gutters
Now that you know how to clean gutters, you’ll be able to keep your gutters clean year-round.
Remember, your safety is most important, so you’ll need the proper tools in place before you begin. If you find cleaning gutters too demanding, don’t try to over-exert yourself. Instead, call in the professionals to help you.
To learn more helpful home and garden tips, make sure to check out the rest of our blog today!
