If you’ve ever looked up at your gutters and thought, “I’ll deal with that later,” you’re not alone... but it's not the right thing to do. Letting debris build up can cause water damage, mold, and even structural damage over time, like foundation issues. Cleaning your gutters isn’t complicated, and you don’t need fancy gear or special training. With a bit of time and a few tools, most homeowners can handle it on their own. Here’s how to make the job quicker, safer, and a lot less frustrating.
When and How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
Truthfully, it depends on where you live and what types of trees surround your home. “If your home sits under tall trees that produce a significant amount of leaves, you’ll need to clear your gutters much more often than a home situated on an unobstructed piece of land,” shared Michael DiMartino, SVP of Installations at Power Home Remodeling.
If you live in an area affected by wildfires, the chore indicates different responsibility. "Clogged gutters can pose a serious fire risk, especially in dry, fire-prone regions," underscores Chris Counahan, President of Leaf Home. "When leaves and other debris build up in gutters, they create a layer of dry, flammable material that can ignite if exposed to traveling embers. In fact, 90% of home ignitions during wildfires are caused by flying embers."
Most homes do well with a DIY gutter cleaning twice a year—once in spring and once in fall. Even homeowners with gutter guards should be familiar with maintenance and cleaning.
If you have pine trees nearby or experience regular weather events, checking more often instills peace of mind. A quick check once a month during seasons with heavy rainfall can save you from bigger problems with clogged gutters later on.
What You’ll Need Before You Get Started
Before you head outside for gutter maintenance, make sure you’ve got the right tools. DiMartino offered the following list:
- Extension ladder: Make sure it’s tall enough to reach your gutters and strong enough to hold you steady. Never lean it directly on the gutter itself.
- Ladder standoff or ladder boots: These prevent your ladder from scraping your siding or slipping.
- Ladder leg extensions: If the ground isn’t flat, these help stabilize the base of your tall ladder while you get the rain gutters clean.
- Rubber work gloves: Skip cotton or leather. Rubber holds up better against wet leaves and messy debris buildup.
- Safety glasses: Keeps junk from falling into your eyes.
- Leaf blower, garden hose, or pressure washer with hook extension: A spray nozzle for the hose is also a good idea.
- Bucket, mild soapy water, sponge: Good for rinsing things off if you want to do a deeper clean or need to wipe down exterior walls.
How to Clean Gutters by Hand
Start at the downspout. If it's clogged, you'll probably find a pile of leaves or sticks limiting the water flow down the downspout. Use a small gutter scoop or your gloved hand to pull out debris. Toss it into a bucket or onto a tarp below to make cleanup easier. Once the big stuff is gone, you can flush the gutter with a hose.
If there's no flow of water out the downspout, you’ve got a clog somewhere in there. Try spraying water upward from the bottom. If that doesn’t work, a plumber’s snake can help push the blockage through. Work with gravity and you'll eventually see it wash out the bottom.
How to Clean Gutters With a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is complete optional for this kind of job, but it can help if your gutters are really caked with grime. Just be careful not to blast at full strength right away.
“If you choose to use a pressure washer, be sure to start with the lowest PSI setting to avoid causing serious damage to your gutters or home,” shares DiMartino.
Use a hook extension if you want to spray from the ground. It lets you reach inside the gutters without climbing up every few feet. You’ll still need to be on a ladder for second-story cleaning, but it can make the job faster.
Do Gutter Guards Mean I Can Skip Cleaning?
Nope. A lot of homeowners install gutter guards thinking they’ll never have to climb a ladder again. But debris can still pile up on top and prevent proper water flow.
“Even if you have gutter guards installed, it’s still important to head up on a ladder and check out what’s happening,” DiMartino says. If water can’t drain, it’s going to back up and spill over—causing the same issues you were trying to avoid.
What Happens if I Ignore My Gutters?
When gutters overflow, water goes places it shouldn’t—like into your basement or behind your siding. It can also rot wood trim, stain your brick, or erode your landscaping. In winter, ice dams can form, putting extra weight on your gutters and pulling them away from your home.
“If your gutters are compromised, which means precipitation is getting behind your gutter and dripping down, refastening the gutter to its proper position is a key step,” says DiMartino.
More FAQs
How long does it take for a regular cleaning?
For a single-story home, set aside an hour. Multi-story homes take longer, especially if you're using a ladder. If you check for blockages more freqently and before a big storm, it goes quicker.
Can I clean gutters from the ground?
Yes, but only if you have a single-story home. Tools like a pressure washer hook extension, telescoping wand, and specialized gutter cleaning kits are helpful. It’s safer than climbing on a ladder, but not always as thorough.
Are pressure washers safe for gutter systems?
Yes, if you use a low water pressure and the right attachments. Always test the PSI on a small area first.
What’s the best time of year to clean gutters?
Late spring and mid-to-late fall are best. You want to clean after leaves fall, but before snow or heavy rains hit.
Do all homes need regular gutter cleaning?
Yes, but not always on the same frequency. If you have no overhanging nearby trees, you can go longer between cleanings, but remember that dirt, shingle grit, and wind-blown debris always seem to find their way in and cause drainage issues.
Is it worth hiring someone for regular gutter maintenance?
If you're not comfortable with ladders, don’t have the right tools, or just want to save time, hiring a gutter cleaning service is a smart choice. Some jobs—like fixing loose or broken gutters—may also be better handled by someone experienced.
