The task of cleaning up your gutters may slip your mind, but it’s important that you do not forget about this job. Your home’s gutters and downspouts require necessary maintenance and cleaning in order to prevent damage to your home’s interior by flooding. If you live in a neighborhood where there is a greater amount of large trees you may to need to check them more frequently. Your downspouts and gutters should be check at least two times a year.

Cleaning Supply List

  • A ladder with an extension
  • Trash bags
  • Work gloves
  • Narrow garden trowel
  • Garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment

After gathering all of your necessary tools, your best bet is to start by the downspout and work away from them. Set up your extension ladder, make sure it is set up where the ground is firm and it is level. It’s always a great notion to have someone hold the ladder while you are cleaning the gutters. You can also secure the ladder against the wall, to prevent it from falling while you are cleaning on the ladder. Secure the trash bag, so you can easily access it for placing the debris inside. Put your work gloves on because you never know what you will find, and you don’t want to get your hands cut up.

Now, clean your downspouts towards the middle. Using your garden trowel, scoop out all the leaves and debris and place it in the trash bag. If you see any leftover pieces, pick it up with your hands if needed. After removing all of the large debris, get the garden hose and using the sprayer attachment, rinse your gutter out in the path of the downspout. Continue to spray the gutter until they are all nice and clean.

Now for cleaning your downspouts, the easiest way is to use your garden hose to spray from the upper end of the downspout. This can push any smaller debris particles downward, and unclog your downspout.

Once you finish cleaning all of your home’s gutters and downspouts, inspect for any holes, cracks, or dents. You will want to repair any damage as soon as possible.