How to Clean Gutters Easily and Safely

This comprehensive guide aims to educate you on the importance of gutter cleaning, how often it should be carried out, the safety precautions required, and the steps for a thorough clean. We also explore the estimated costs of employing a professional.

Whether you're a new homeowner or someone wanting to adopt a hands-on approach to home maintenance, you'll find this guide incredibly helpful. The goal here is not to make you an overnight expert but to provide the necessary knowledge for maintaining your gutters efficiently and safely.

1. The Importance of Gutter Cleaning

Your home's gutters are more than just channels. They are a vital part of your home's well-being, helping control the flow of rainwater, and thereby safeguarding your roof, walls, foundation, and landscape from water damage that could compromise your home structure.

Blocked gutters also create a breeding ground for pests like rodents and insects, and contribute to the formation of mould and mildew, which can pose health risks. So, regular gutter cleaning is not just about home maintenance, it's about protecting your investment and ensuring your family's safety.

2. How Often Should I Clean the Gutters?

Most experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year—once in late spring and again in early autumn. However, the frequency depends on the number of trees surrounding your property and the climate in your area. 

If your home is beneath several deciduous trees that shed leaves seasonally, you might need to clean your gutters more frequently. Likewise, homes in areas prone to severe weather or those with pine trees (which shed year-round) might require additional cleaning sessions.

3. What Safety Precautions Should be Taken?

Safety should never be compromised when it comes to gutter cleaning. Firstly, inform someone about your cleaning plan so they can check on you periodically. Wear protective gear, such as fully enclosed non-slip shoes, gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris and bacteria, and safety glasses to shield your eyes from dirt particles. 

If you're using a ladder, ensure it's sturdy and firmly positioned. Don't lean over the edges and always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot). When using a pressure washer or any electrical equipment, ensure they are suitable for outdoor use to avoid electric shock. Don't rush; being slow and steady is key to maintaining safety throughout the process.

4. Should I Use a Ladder to Clean the Gutter?

Yes, a ladder is typically necessary for gutter cleaning. Choose a safe, sturdy ladder—preferably one with a small shelf to hold a bucket for debris. A four-legged step ladder is ideal for a single-story structure, while an extendable ladder is better for a two-story or taller house. 

Remember to secure the top of the ladder with a ladder stabiliser or stand-off for added safety. Never place the ladder on uneven ground or lean it against the gutter or part of the roof system, as this can lead to instability and damage. Remember, ladders should be used with caution. Always follow safety guidelines and never overreach while on the ladder.

5. Can I Walk on the Roof to Clean My Gutters?

Walking on the roof to clean your gutters is generally not recommended due to the risk of falls and damage to the roofing materials. There are a few safety considerations to take into account when planning this approach, for example, if your roof is steep this can be particularly hazardous. You should also consider the weather forecast as wet, windy conditions will severely impact your safety whether you choose to walk on the roof or stick to your ladder.

However, if your house is a single story and has a flat roof with an anti-slip surface, and you're confident about your safety, you may consider this approach. Always make sure you're wearing suitable footwear with good traction. Remember, your safety is paramount. If you're uncertain, always hire a professional or use alternate methods to clean your gutters.

6. How to Clean Gutters from the Ground

Cleaning gutters from the ground can be an appealing option for those uncomfortable with heights or ladders. Special tools like a gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower, a pressure washer extension, or a telescopic gutter cleaning tool can make this possible. 

These tools usually have a curved end to fit into the gutter and a handle long enough to reach from the ground. Keep in mind that while these methods can remove loose debris, stubborn or compacted material might require a hands-on approach.

7. Gutter Cleaning Step-by-Step

Gutter cleaning involves more than just clearing debris from the gutter itself. Let's walk through the process step-by-step, starting from the top (the roof) and working our way down.

Clean the Roof First

Before starting with the gutters, it's essential to clean your roof first. Over time, your roof may have collected various debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt that could end up clogging your gutters if not addressed. Using a roof broom or leaf blower, depending on the type and amount of debris, remove any loose material from the roof. 

Ensure you are taking proper safety precautions while on the roof, including wearing non-slip shoes and using a sturdy ladder for support. By thoroughly cleaning your roof, you'll prevent additional debris from washing into your freshly cleaned gutters during the next rain.

Clear Gutter Debris by Hand

Once the roof is clear, it's time to start cleaning the gutters. Begin this process by donning a pair of thick gardening gloves and using your hand to remove larger pieces of debris like leaves and twigs. To avoid making a mess below, you can place these into a bucket or garbage bag that you've attached to your ladder. 

For those hard-to-reach areas, a leaf blower like the 125B can come in handy to blast gutters clear. If the downpipes are blocked, using a pressure washer like the PW 240 or a specialised pipe unblocker tool can be highly effective to remove the blockage.

Select a Cleaning Solution 

After you've removed the larger debris, use a gutter cleaning solution or a homemade mixture of warm water and mild detergent to help break down the smaller, stubborn debris. 

This solution can be gently scrubbed on the inner surface of the gutters to clean them thoroughly. Try to avoid harsh chemicals that might damage your gutters, harm nearby plants, or pose environmental concerns.

Use an Angled Spray Lance and the Correct Nozzles 

To rinse the gutters thoroughly after scrubbing, you'll want to use a garden hose equipped with an angled spray lance. The angle of the lance allows you to direct the water flow towards the downspout, effectively rinsing out the loosened debris. 

Make sure you use the correct nozzle for a steady, controlled stream of water. Avoid high-pressure nozzles that could inadvertently damage the gutters. Where possible, use a soft rotating brush like the Rotating Brush Kit.

Protecting Your Guttering 

While gutters are designed to be sturdy and weather-resistant, they can still be susceptible to damage if not handled with care. During the cleaning process, avoid using harsh tools or excessive force that could potentially cause dents, cracks, or dislodge parts of the gutter. Instead, opt for soft-bristled brushes or cloths to gently scrub away stubborn grime, moss, or mildew. 

If a section of the gutter is particularly dirty, it may be tempting to yank or pull at it, but refrain from doing so. Pulling can misalign the gutter or, in the worst-case scenario, rip it off from the fascia. If debris is firmly lodged or you encounter a stubborn patch of grime, try soaking it first with a mild cleaning solution before gently scrubbing it away. 

Clean the Downpipes 

To clean your downpipes, start by using a garden hose with a pressure nozzle. Insert the hose into the top of the downpipe and turn on the water full blast. The force of the water should dislodge any minor blockages and flush them out. Be prepared for a potential mess at the other end as the water flushes out the debris. 

If the water isn't flowing freely, there's likely a serious clog that you'll need to address. In this case, you may need to disassemble the downpipe to remove the blockage. Depending on the design of your gutter system, this can usually be done by unscrewing the sections of the pipe. Once disassembled, use a plumbing snake to dislodge the clog, and then rinse the pipe again with the hose to ensure it's completely clear. 

Clear the Drains

The final step in gutter cleaning is to clear the drains. This part is often overlooked, but is crucial in maintaining a well-functioning gutter system. Your downspout drains are where all the water collected by your gutters is directed away from your home's foundation. If these areas are blocked with debris, water can back up, leading to overflow. To avoid this, ensure the area around your downspout drains is clear of any obstructions, like built-up dirt, rocks, or plants. 

Inspect drain outlets regularly, especially after heavy rain or storms, as these can bring additional debris. If there's a blockage in your drains, a plumbing snake or auger can be an effective tool to remove it. Carefully insert the snake into the drain and gently push it down to dislodge the clog. Once you feel the blockage has been cleared, you can use a hose to flush out the remaining debris. Another option is to use a wet vacuum like the WDC 220 to help dislodge any gunk.

Fit Gutter Guards 

Following a thorough cleaning of your gutters, it's advisable to fit gutter guards as a preventive measure to reduce any future build-up of debris. Gutter guards act as a filter, letting water enter your gutters while largely keeping out leaves, twigs, and other debris. There are several types of gutter guards available on the market to suit varying needs and preferences. 

• Screen guards are a popular choice due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. These are generally metal sheets with holes that keep out larger debris while allowing rainwater to pass through. 
• If you're looking for something more durable, you could consider surface tension gutter guards, which are designed to direct water into the gutter while guiding debris over the edge of the roof. 
• For homes in pine-dense areas, fine-mesh guards may be ideal as they can block tiny pine needles. There are also foam inserts, which fit directly into your gutter, allowing water to seep through while blocking any debris.

However, when choosing a gutter guard, it's important to remember that while they reduce the amount of debris entering the gutters, they do not eliminate the need for gutter cleaning entirely. Even the most efficient gutter guard systems allow small particles through, which over time, can accumulate and cause clogs. Therefore, even with guards fitted, a regular check and occasional cleaning of your gutters will still be necessary.

8. How Much Does Professional Gutters Cleaning Cost?

The cost of hiring a professional to clean your gutters depends on several factors including the size of your home, the height, the state of the gutters, and the prevailing rates in your area. On average, in Australia, you might expect to pay between $200 and $600 for a professional gutter cleaning service. For a single-story house with around 150-200 linear feet of gutters, the price might range from $250 to $350. 

A two-story home with the same amount of gutters could cost between $350 and $500. If your home is three stories or higher, has a steep roof, or the gutters are excessively dirty, the cost could be higher due to the increased risk and difficulty. While this might seem expensive, consider the cost of potential repairs if your gutters fail. 

It's also important to remember that these are rough estimates and prices can vary significantly. Always request an estimate before the work begins to understand the cost upfront. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and thoroughly, which can provide peace of mind and spare you the hassle.

Gutter Cleaning Made Easy

Need tools, accessories, or advice for your gutter cleaning tasks? Look no further than your local Husqvarna Dealer. With a variety of quality products and expert advice, they'll help you keep your gutters – and tools – in top shape. Find your nearest Husqvarna Dealer today for efficient, effective home maintenance solutions!