Gutter cleaning tips for your home

During normal use, gutters get clogged with leaves, dirt, and various debris. To keep water flowing freely, they should be cleaned once or twice a year. You can do this yourself — just follow basic safety rules and our tips below.

How to clean gutters yourself

To clean gutters of dirt and debris you’ll first need a ladder and a pressure washer with a gutter- or pipe-cleaning attachment. You can either buy or rent the attachment for a short period. Large debris (branches, big clumps of leaves) can be removed by hand; the equipment will handle the smaller stuff.

Besides branches, leaves and dirt, gutters can develop mold and mildew. These can be treated with homemade cleaning solutions that are inexpensive, effective, and eco-friendly. Here are several simple recipes.

1. Vinegar solution. Mix white vinegar and water 1:1. Use this solution to wipe and rinse the gutters. Vinegar helps remove dirt, mold, and light rust stains.
2. Dish soap mix. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of dish soap in 3 liters (about 3 quarts) of warm water. Dip a sponge in the solution and scrub the gutter. This mix removes grease and sticky residues better than vinegar.
3. Baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. This makes a mild abrasive you can use to scrub the outside and inside of gutters.
4. Lemon juice and salt. This is another abrasive cleaner; the citric acid makes it stronger, so don’t scrub it aggressively into painted surfaces or leave it on delicate finishes for a long time. It’s good for removing mineral deposits, rust, and mysterious stains. Do not use it on aluminum, copper, or galvanized metal.
5. Cream of tartar paste. Mix 2 parts cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) with 1 part water to make a paste. Apply with a brush or cloth, let sit 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For tougher rust stains, use a stronger mixture and add about ¼ cup of baking soda and a little hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using this on delicate or already-damaged surfaces.

If grime is stubborn, consider purchasing a commercial gutter-cleaning product made for the job. Always wear protective gloves and safety goggles when doing any of these cleaning steps.

How to prevent future clogs

Clean your gutters at least twice a year. To make the job easier and faster, follow these tips.

• Use modern tools: besides a pressure washer, consider a wet/dry shop vacuum or a leaf blower to clear debris.
• Cover flower beds and lawn beneath your work area with a tarp — this makes it much easier to collect and dispose of the removed debris.
• Check the gutters’ flow monthly. Small clogs, a fallen branch, or trapped leaves are easier to remove early with a plumber’s snake (drain snake).
• Trim trees and branches that overhang the roof. You can do this yourself with a saw or hire a professional tree-trimming service.
• Install gutter guards (protective grates or screens). They help keep large debris out of the gutters, but they do not eliminate the need for periodic cleaning.

Why regular gutter cleaning matters

Regularly cleaning gutters is important because debris can cause water to overflow, gutters to sag, and can damage both the gutter system and your home — including the attic or the foundation. Clearing blockages in time helps you avoid costly repairs to your gutter system and the home it protects.