Gutter cleaning is an important part of being a homeowner – it not only frees your gutters of dirt and debris, but it also protects against water damage that can occur due to clogs. While the best method of cleaning your gutters is with a ladder, you can also do it from the ground. Here, we share the best methods of gutter cleaning:

Leaf Blower

1. Attach your nozzle attachment to your leaf blower. (Many models come with one. If yours didn’t, you can purchase one separately.)
2. Position yourself at the end of your gutter and hold the attachment out so that it’s right above your gutter.
3. Turn on your leaf blower and blow the debris out of your gutters, working from one end to the other.
4. Repeat for all of your gutters.

Power Washer

1. If you don’t already have a telescoping wand and U-shaped attachment for your power washer, visit your local home improvement store.
2. Secure your wand and attachment to your power washer.
3. You’ll likely get wet, so wear a rain jacket and goggles for protection.
4. Position yourself at the end of your gutter and hold the attachment out so that it’s right above your gutter.
5. Turn on your power washer.
6. Work your way from one end of the gutter to the other, pausing every few minutes to let the water drain.
7. Repeat for all of your gutters.
8. For a deeper clean, wash the exteriors of your gutters as well.

Wet/Dry Vacuum

1. Visit your local home improvement store to find a hose and curved attachment for your wet/dry vacuum.
2. Secure your attachment to the vacuum and position yourself at the end of your gutter.
3. Hold the attachment out so it’s right above your gutter and turn on your vacuum.
4. Work your way from one end of the gutter to the other.
5. Repeat for all of your gutters.
6. For a deeper clean, use your garden hose to wet down your gutters after you’ve removed the bulk of the debris.
7. Repeat the vacuum process to remove any stubborn debris left behind.

Garden Hose

1. Visit your local home improvement store to find a gutter-cleaning attachment for your garden hose.
2. Secure your attachment to your hose.
3. Like with a power washer, you’ll likely get wet, so wear a rain jacket and goggles for protection.
4. Position yourself at the end of your gutter and hold the attachment out so that it’s right above your gutter.
5. Turn on your garden hose.
6. Work your way from one end of the gutter to the other, pausing every few minutes to let the water drain.
7. Repeat for all of your gutters.
8. For a deeper clean, wash the exterior of your gutters as well.

*Photo courtesy of mioawmajuro.org