How To Clean Your Gutters

The main cause of gutters not working properly is that they have become clogged, or obstructed in some way. The guttering on your house and garage should be cleaned out thoroughly at least once a year. The best time is probably at the end of fall because you’ll have a lot of dead leaves to remove before all the precipitation in winter and spring.

First, make sure that you have a good, safe ladder to use. Never trust an old rickety ladder, and always ask someone first if you are not sure if it’s safe for use. It’s also a wise idea to have someone else there to hold steady the base of the ladder while you are climbing it. Never stand on the very top rung of the ladder.If you like, put on a pair of gardening gloves and simply scoop out any debris with your hands. You can also use a hand garden tool like a small rake or trowel if you prefer. You’ll often find plastic guttering clogged with dead leaves, sticks, and other plant material. You may even find some animal nesting or waste. This is why it’s a good idea to wear gloves.

If there is any dirt or mud you may need to use water to remove this from the guttering. You could use a hose if you are able to reach one to the gutters, but it might be easier and safer to get a wet rag or sponge and scrub the plastic guttering clean. Check along every section of the gutters, including the downspouts. You may need to use a hose and even a long stick or pipe to remove clogging. You could of course dismantle the downspout to clean it and then fix it on again if necessary. Once you are through removing debris, wash the gutters out with water and you should be ready for another winter and spring.