How to clean your gutters (the complete guide).

Why is gutter cleaning important? 

They may be the very epitome of “out of sight, out of mind,” but unfortunately, neglected gutters can turn into a real expensive (or embarrassing) mess in the long run. If you’ve ever seen a small tree growing out of a gutter, you know what we’re talking about. While that may be an extreme case, gutter cleaning is more important than you think.

What happens if you don’t clean your gutters?

Remember: gutters do the important job of collecting rainwater and diverting it to downspouts that take it away from your home to drain. When gutters can’t do their job, costly issues can arise. 

For example, blocked gutters can result in water damage to your home’s interior or exterior. Flooded gutters can cause serious roof damage by rotting the wood. Clogged gutters make a perfect habitat for pests that can damage your home. Perhaps worst of all, water pooling from an overflowing gutter can cause major foundation damage. 

How often should you clean your gutters and downspouts?

Generally, you should clean your gutters twice a year: in the spring and fall. 

Fall is an obvious time for gutter cleaning. Once the trees have shed their leaves, those leaves need to be cleared out. Twigs and moss also collect when the first heavy rains of the season fall, and any standing water in your gutters can split the joints when it freezes. 

Spring is also an ideal time. This is because grasses and weeds send out loads of seeds that can land in the debris that’s settled in your gutters. You won't know they're there until you've got dandelions peeking out over the edge of your roof.

In some circumstances, you should inspect and clean gutters every few months. For example, if you have a north-facing roof where moss grows, periodically checking your gutters can help prevent clogs. Homes overhung by large tree branches also need more frequent inspection and cleaning, as do properties with climbing vines. Additionally, inspecting and cleaning gutters after large storms can protect your home against any ad-hoc blockages and ensure that you’re ready for the next big downpour.. 

What supplies will you need to clean your gutters? 

Gutter cleaning is messy, potentially dangerous work. Having the right tools for the job will make it safer, easier and more efficient. Doing the job well requires these items: 

• Extension ladder or tall step ladder. This is necessary to get you high enough to see inside the gutters.
• Spray nozzle and pressure washer for cleaning out the leaves and debris in your gutters.
• Gutter scoop. Use this to remove material from the inside of the gutter without damaging the surface. You can purchase a gutter scoop at a hardware store, but an old plastic spatula or even a children's sandbox shovel will work. 
• Buckets. Use one bucket to remove wet material without making a mess. Use the second bucket to carry your tools up and down easily. 
• Work clothes and gloves. Wear clothes that you aren't afraid to get dirty, and have a pair of work gloves handy, as well as a pair of latex gloves.
• Ladder rung hooks that can hold your buckets.
• Ladder stabilizers to help keep your ladder steady while you’re cleaning — especially if your landscape is uneven.
• Gutter sealant in case you need to fix any leaks in your gutters. 
• There are a few optional tools you should consider getting, as well:
• Leaf blower. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can use a leaf blower and hose to flush out your gutters.
• Garden hose with an extension. If you don’t have a pressure washer or ladder, you can use a hose with an extending attachment to reach your gutters.
• Tarp. This can be used instead of a bucket if you want to let the material fall to the ground without making a mess on your lawn. If you’re particularly tidy, you can use a bucket and a tarp to keep the mess completely contained. 

The best way to clean your gutters, DIY-style. 

Now that you have your equipment ready, it’s time to start cleaning your gutters. Follow these steps to rid your gutters of dirt and debris. 

Step 1: Set up your gutter cleaning supplies.

Place your ladder on level ground, using a ladder stabilizer if you need to. Lay the tarp on the ground underneath where you'll be working. Take your tool bucket up to the top of the ladder and secure it on the ladder rung hook. Finally, if you choose to use a debris bucket, take it to the top of the ladder and hang it off a second hook.

Step 2: Inspect your rain gutters for severe damage.

Before you start cleaning, give your gutters a good inspection. Look for any obvious signs of damage, such as large holes, wood rot and loose pieces that are barely hanging on. If you spot damage, consider fixing it first or hiring a gutter professional to take on the job. 

If you don’t notice any damage right away, go ahead with cleaning, while continuing to keep your eye out for damage.

Step 3: Remove large debris by hand or with a scoop.

Ready to start cleaning? Begin by removing any large debris like sticks and clumps of moss — things that are easy to discard by hand. Use the gutter scoop to remove any heavy, wet or compacted debris. Collect debris in the bucket or allow it to fall to the tarp. Check every section of the gutter as you go, testing for loose sections. 

Step 3: Flush out your gutters with the pressure washer.

Once the gutters are clear, use your pressure washer (or garden hose) to spray out the inside of the gutter, keeping an eye on the downspout. If less water is coming out than you think is going in, you may have a clog in the spout that needs clearing. 

As water flows down the gutter, note any spots where it seems to be leaking. Take a picture or make a mark on the gutter so that you can find it later and fix it. 

Step 4: Address damage or schedule repairs.

Any section of guttering that is loose needs to be repaired with a new bracket. Use your screw gun to secure hardware as you move along the roof. 

If you noticed leaks in the gutter while you were working, it’s time to make use of your gutter sealant. Once everything has dried out completely, go back to the areas you marked as leaking and patch them from the inside with the sealant. If you're not sure you got the right spot, wait a day and then spray water into the gutter again to see if there’s still a leak. 

Clear clogs in the downspout by running your hose up the spout and flushing it with water until the clog is cleared. Especially stubborn clogs may require a plumber's snake to dislodge. If you find yourself contending with a particularly relentless clog or the repairs seem beyond your expertise (or your patience), enlist the help of a gutter repair company near you.

Mistakes to avoid when cleaning your rain gutters. 

While gutter cleaning is pretty straightforward, homeowners still make plenty of mistakes. Here are a few common gutter cleaning pitfalls you can avoid:

• Ignoring ladder safety techniques. Ladder safety includes keeping your hips within the line of the vertical side rails. Don't lean out to access hard-to-reach debris. Move the ladder frequently so you can reach the next section safely without straining.
• Failing to stabilize your ladder. Make sure your ladder is stable. Have a friend hold it steady if it feels wobbly. 
• Wearing slippery shoes. Wear nonslip, rubber-soled shoes with nice traction. When you're spraying water from high up on a ladder, the last thing you want is to be sliding around. 
• Forgetting to wear gloves. Don't skimp on the gloves — the inside of a gutter can be disgusting, and you'll want to protect your hands. 
• Skipping the eye protection. Eye protection is another helpful bit of gear. You never know what's going to come tumbling down a roof or splashing out of a gutter, and the top of a ladder is no place to get something nasty in your eyes. 
• Walking on the roof. Some professional gutter cleaners will walk around on the edge of the roof while they work. Please, do not try this at home. Stay on the ladder. 

Tips for maintaining and protecting your gutters. 

You should pay attention to your gutters all year long, especially during the rainy, windy and snowy seasons. If you have a mossy roof or large trees looming over your home, you need to examine and clean your gutters more often. 

Of course, cleaning your gutters every day, week or even month isn’t realistic. But here are some simple maintenance tips that can help: 

1. Install gutter guards. 

Installing gutter guards or downspout guards can help you avoid clogs and keep your gutters clean. Usually made of some type of mesh or perforated metal, gutter guards keep leaves and other debris out of the gutters, allowing water to flow freely. 

However, even the highest-quality gutter guards need some care and maintenance. Twice-a-year inspections and cleanings are still recommended. Checking for and repairing leaks, securing loose guttering and performing regular cleaning and maintenance will pay off in the long term. 

Related: What are the most popular types of gutter guards?

2. Trim your tree branches. 

If you have a large tree hanging over your home, make sure you’re trimming back those branches when necessary. Overhanging branches not only drop leaves into your gutters, but they could also fall during harsh weather and damage your gutter system. 

Tree trimming can be a daunting (and dangerous) task. Consider contacting professional tree trimming services in your area instead of DIY-ing this project.

Related: How much does professional tree trimming cost?

3. Regularly inspect your gutters.

Once a month, walk around your home’s exterior and look at your roof and gutters. Look for any signs of loose gutters, holes, rotting, rusting, mold, moss and pests. It’s also a good idea to do this after a heavy storm or severe weather. 

As soon as you notice something troubling, make a plan to fix it yourself using the methods outlined above — or contact a gutter professional or specialist in your area. 

What should gutter cleaning include? 

Whether you take on the task yourself or hire a professional, gutter cleaning should include the following basic components.

• Inspecting the gutters for damage, such as leaks, holes, moss, rot and rust.
• Removing large debris, such as clumps of leaves and twigs.
• Flushing out gutters and downspouts with a pressure washer or hose.
• Ensuring there is nothing clogging your gutters or downspouts.

When to hire a gutter cleaning professional.

Although gutter cleaning is a simple job, there are countless reasons you might not want to do it yourself. For example, you want to hire a professional if: 

• Your home is large. Multi-story homes are often taller, and your non-professional ladder may not be safe enough to reach gutters.
• Your home is old. Older homes and gutters might require more care. 
• You’re pressed for time. It’s possible you just don’t have the time or inclination to clean and maintain your own gutters. No time means it’s time to call in the pros.

If you're not sure whether or not your gutters need to be serviced, there are some signs to look for: 

• You see plants sprouting out of gutters.
• Sections of your gutters leak when it rains.
• Your downspouts aren't properly draining during a storm. 
• Your gutters seem to be sagging. 

If you see any of these signs, contact a gutter professional. Someone near you can take care of your issue — and you won’t have to get your hands dirty.

How much do gutter cleaning services cost? 

Gutter cleaning costs $200-$250 in the U.S., on average, according to Thumbtack data. However, remember this is just an average.

The cost to hire a professional to clean your gutters will depend on multiple factors, including the scope of the project (how dirty your gutters are, whether or not they also need repairs) and labor rates in your area.  

For an accurate cost estimate, contact several gutter cleaning professionals near you and ask for a quote. Be sure to ask which factors impact their prices and if they charge a flat or hourly fee.

For more information on gutter cleaning prices, read our guide, “How much does gutter cleaning cost?”

Find gutter cleaning services on Thumbtack. 

Gutter cleaning can be a DIY job. But if you’re busy or don’t have the proper equipment, consider leaving this task to the pros. Use Thumbtack to find professional gutter cleaning services near you. Read their customer reviews, check out their before-and-after photos and get quotes from several professionals before you hire.