Clean Your Gutters: Tips, Tools & Tricks

Don’t wait for winter. A little effort now can save you hours of cleanup and hundreds of dollars in repairs later.

Why It Matters :
When leaves pile up, your gutters can’t breathe — water overflows, ice dams form, and your home takes the hit.

Clogged gutters can lead to:

Water damage to your roof and siding
Foundation cracks from pooling water
Heavy ice dams when snow melts and refreezes
Sagging gutters from the extra weight

A quick fall cleanup now = less stress and big savings later.

Tools You’ll Need

These essentials will make the job easier and safer:

A sturdy extendable ladder — Click Here for recommended ladder from Amazon
Gutter scoop or small garden trowel — Click Here for recommended gutter scoop from Amazon
Heavy-duty work gloves - Click Here for recommended Gutter Gloves from Amazon
A bucket or tarp to collect debris
Garden hose to flush out clogs
Optional: Plumber’s snake for stubborn blockages

💡 Pro Tip: Keep these tools stored in one labeled bin so fall cleanup is grab-and-go every year.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Safety First

Place your ladder on level, firm ground.
Wear gloves and eye protection — gutters can hide sharp debris.
If possible, have someone nearby to steady the ladder.

2. Start Near the Downspout

Begin at the downspout and work outward.
This helps you keep debris moving in the right direction and spot clogs early.

3. Scoop Out Debris

Use your scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and gunk.
Drop debris into a bucket or onto a tarp below.
Move slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the gutter.

4. Flush With Water

Once most debris is cleared:

Use a garden hose to rinse the gutters.
Check for smooth water flow toward the downspout.
Look for leaks or sagging areas while rinsing.

5. Tackle Clogs

If water isn’t draining:

Spray directly into the downspout to loosen blockages.
Use a plumber’s snake to clear stubborn clogs.

6. Final Inspection

Check for rust spots, cracks, or loose sections.
Make notes of any areas that may need repairs before winter.

Prefer to Skip the Ladder? Hire a Pro!

Not everyone wants to spend their Saturday scooping soggy leaves — and that’s okay.
Hiring a professional is safer, faster, and stress-free.

Benefits of hiring a pro:

✅ Safety first: No risk of ladder injuries.
✅ Saves time: Free up your weekend for pumpkin lattes and movie marathons. ☕🎃
✅ Expert results: Professionals have the right tools to do the job thoroughly.

Find a trusted local pro:

Book Gutter Cleaning Pros on Thumbtack
Hire Through Angi

Tip: Book early in the fall — pros get busy fast once the leaves start piling up!

Quick Gutter Tips

Clean gutters at least twice a year: late fall and late spring.
If you have lots of trees nearby, check them monthly during heavy leaf fall.
Consider gutter guards to reduce future maintenance — [Link to recommended guards].

Your gutters protect your home year-round. Give them a little love now, and you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress later. Grab your tools or hire a trusted local pro today before the first frost hits!