How to Clean a Gutter

Wearing non-slip footwear for safety, carefully climb the ladder to access the gutter. Place a cloth in the way of the downpipe to block it and avoid debris falling down it during cleaning.

Starting at the downpipes, move along the gutter using the trowel to gather and remove large debris and put it in the bucket. If keeping the ground below you clean is not a priority, an electric leaf blower can be used to complete this step faster.

Use a stiff brush to remove any stubborn dirt deposits.

If water seems to encounter difficulty flowing down a downspout, direct the hose to the entry at the top of it, to try force down any debris that may be stuck inside. If this fails, a “Plumber’s Snake” or extendable drainage rod can be used to force out any debris lodged in the pipe.

Wash the now debris-free gutters with a hose, which you should aim towards the downspout. Keep an eye out for any leaks in the guttering as you hose.

An alternative method to the steps above is to use a gutter wand. This will direct high pressure water into the gutter to flush out silt and debris, and can be completed from ground level. This method is only suitable if the gutter is relatively unobstructed already.