Winter 2021 is coming to an end slowly but surely, the lasp gasp of bone-chilling wind, ice, and snow will soon be done (thank goodness)!
During the winter, we have the tendency to delay, procrastinate, and throw our accountability out the window when it comes to maintenance around the exterior of our house, and rightfully so – it is cold!
However, when winter is over, it very quickly becomes spring, and more often than not there is one chore that you might have forgotten to do in the fall:
Cleaning your gutters!
That classic exterior chore is actually super easy to do. However, it’s easy to do, and it’s easy not to do. This is why today we will share with you the simple steps to clean your gutters as well as other steps you can take (if you don’t want to clean them).
See also:
- Why you should keep gutters cleans
- Other gutter solutions – Leaf Guards!
- FAQ Gutter Questions
How to Clean Your Gutters in 4 Steps!
Table of Contents
Step 1 – Gather Your Gutter Cleaning Materials!
The materials required to clean your gutters are relatively common things you would find in everyday outdoor cleaning supplies. Before starting, make sure you gather your materials which include:
- 2 buckets
- A ladder
- A garden hose with adjustable nozzle designed to clean gutters
- Work gloves/Latex Gloves
- A Trowel
- Safety Glasses
Note: It may be in your best interest to check the weather before you clean your gutters. The dryer the weather, the easier your job is! Also, make sure you consider having a friend, neighbor, or spotter when you decide to do the job, especially because of number two below!
Step 2 – Set Your Ladder Up!
Making sure you are using an appropriate sized ladder placed on even level ground (or an extension ladder angled on the side of your house) with properly working hinges to lock it in place is paramount to maintaining your overall safety while you are cleaning your gutters out.
Since this is a safety hazard, and you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, don’t put yourself in jeopardy. Contact a professional gutter cleaning company to handle the job!
Serious injuries can occur when using ladders so be sure to have a partner and exercise proper ladder caution! When in doubt, don’t risk it!
Step 3 – Use the 2 Wire-hooked Buckets for Efficiency
Since these clean procedures require you to use an assortment of different supplies, what you are going to do is take the wire-hooked buckets and attach them to the ladder.
Place all your supplies in the bucket for future use. Make sure to hook the hose to a water spout and turn it on so it is ready for use.
In the second bucket, you’ll use that to place all
Step 4 – Clean your gutters out!
Starting the cleaning process near what’s called the downspout, a vertical pipe, usually white, that drains the rainwater that was collected by your gutters!
Put on the latex gloves, and then put on the work gloves and use your hands to remove organic matter and debris including, but not limited to, fallen leaves, twigs/sticks, and so forth. Caked-on debris that is compacted may be hard to remove with your hands, so use your trowel to get it out!
After the gutter is clear of any major debris, take the hose and wash the gutter out of any remaining stragglers with a low-pressure setting on the hose nozzle.. Look down at the downspout to ensure it drains properly, and if not, turn the nozzle of the hose to higher water pressure to clear it of any clogs.
When you have completed all these steps, you have successfully cleaned your gutters, way to go!
That said, you might be wondering, “Why do I have to clean my gutters in the first place?”
Why keep your gutters clean
One of the reasons it is important to keep your gutters clean is because if your gutters become too clogged, the foundation of your home is put into jeopardy – not kidding!
Clogged gutters result in water leaks and erosion, worse case – they can lead to foundational issues when standing water occurs!
Also, standing water leads to pests such as bees, rodents, and so forth will make a home in your gutters if clogged gutters are not addressed. Clean them today!
Other options instead of cleaning = Gutter Guards!
Not interested in having to clean your gutters every now and then OR pay for it each fall? Want more convenience?
Gutter guards are a useful innovation that practically eliminates the need to manually remove debris from your gutter, only allowing water to enter gutters to then be drained via the down spot.
Pay attention to material and cost first and foremost, because Gutter Guards follow the axiom of “you get what you pay for.” Cheap gutter guards do not work and they have to be clean themselves!
Instead, we work with Raindrop to provide self-cleaning and 100% guarantee clog-free gutter guards! You can get a free quote for gutter guards right here:
DIY Gutter Calculator
Figure out how much to pay for new aluminum gutters & gutter guards for your home!
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Select a Size
5" gutters come with 2"x3" downspouts, 6" gutters come with 3"x4" downspouts and drain 400% faster than 5" gutters
Choose Your Color
Please select a color that best works for your home.
Wicker
Dark Green
Dark Grey
Eggshell
White
Ivory
Light Grey
Musket Brown
Red
Cream
Clay
Brown
Bronze
Black
Estimate Footage for 5" Gutters
Please provide the estimated total footage needed for gutters on your home.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for downspouts
Lifetime No Clog Warranty
Raindrop Gutter Guards are an absolutely fantastic way to save time and extend the life of your gutters, roof, and home. By adding Raindrop Gutter Protection System to your order, we guarantee a lifetime of free flowing gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home.
Choose Your Color
Please select a color that best works for your home.
Wicker
Dark Green
Dark Grey
Eggshell
White
Ivory
Light Grey
Musket Brown
Red
Cream
Clay
Brown
Bronze
Black
Estimate Footage for 6" Gutters
Please provide the estimated total footage needed for gutters on your home.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for downspouts
Lifetime No Clog Warranty
Raindrop Gutter Guards are an absolutely fantastic way to save time and extend the life of your gutters, roof, and home. By adding Raindrop Gutter Protection System to your order, we guarantee a lifetime of free flowing gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home.
Final cost
Here is your final cost, please fill out the form below to get started!
Summary
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Takeaways:
Cleaning gutters maybe is not the most exciting thing to do, but there’s no question that you shouldn’t ignore the fact that you have to take accountability for annual gutter upkeep.
While it is easy to clean, it is just as easy to delay and forget about, which could be a costly decision. However, it’s important to also recognize that ladder safety risks do exist when you clean your gutters!
While winter is waning, spring is getting ready to rear its head, so start committing these steps to memory, so that you can be in the best possible position to fully understand how to clean your gutters when necessary. Remember, more often than not, if you don’t know, you certainly won’t do.
Before closing out, consider alternative options for cleaning, Gutter guards are a great investment that pays for itself after years of use. If convenience is something you value and your wallet agrees as well, go for it! Do your due diligence of course before making any big decision.