5 Ways To Clean Your Gutters Without A Ladder

Cleaning gutters is a necessary chore you may be dreading, especially when it means you’re getting high up on a ladder. The ladder isn’t the only way to reach the gunk that’s been building up in your hard-to-reach gutters. Learn about five of the most popular methods for cleaning gutters — while keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground.

1. Using a Gutter Cleaning Wand

A gutter cleaning wand is a great way to clean your gutters without needing extra support from a ladder.

Keep in Mind

Gutter cleaning wands are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and effective at removing common debris like leaves and twigs through the power of water. However, they may struggle with heavy clogs and might not reach every corner of the gutter.

To use a gutter cleaning wand:

1. Attach the wand to a garden hose. Most gutter cleaning wands have a standard garden hose connector. Simply screw the wand onto the hose.
2. Turn on the water. Once the wand is attached to the hose, turn on the water to a medium-level flow, approximately the same intensity you would use when watering your plants.
3. Extend the wand to reach the gutter. The wand should be long enough to reach the gutter from the ground; if it’s not, you may need to use a step stool to reach some areas.
4. Insert the nozzle into the gutter. Carefully insert the nozzle into the gutter, being careful not to damage the gutter or downspout.
5. Move the wand back and forth. Move the wand back and forth along the gutter, spraying water into the gutter to loosen and flush out debris.
6. Clear the downspout. Once the gutter is clear, move the nozzle to the downspout and flush out any debris that may be blocking it.
7. Repeat as needed. Repeat steps 4-6 until the gutter is completely clear of debris.

2. Cleaning Gutters with a Leaf Blower Gutter Kit

As a homeowner, you’re likely to have a leaf blower in your tool shed. Using a leaf blower gutter kit can be a simple upgrade to a tool you already know how to handle.

Before You Head to the Hardware Store

Leaf blower attachments may not be able to clear heavy clogs, the blowers themselves are loud to operate, and the strong air stream can scatter debris. To help make cleanup easier, put down a tarp or drop cloth to catch anything that falls from the gutters.

To use a leaf blower gutter kit:

1. Attach the kit to your leaf blower. Most leaf blower gutter kits come with a special attachment that fits over the end of the leaf blower tube. Simply slide the attachment onto the tube and secure it in place.
2. Turn on the leaf blower. Turn on the leaf blower to the highest setting.
3. Insert the nozzle into the gutter. Carefully insert the nozzle into the gutter, being careful not to damage the gutter or downspout.
4. Move the nozzle back and forth. Move the nozzle back and forth along the gutter, blowing the debris out of the gutter and into a pile.
5. Clear the downspout. Once the gutter is clear, move the nozzle to the downspout and blow out any debris that may be blocking it.
6. Repeat as needed. Repeat steps 4-5 until the gutter is completely clear of debris.

3. Clean Gutters Without a Ladder by Employing Gutter Tongs

Gutter tongs are a handy tool that let you reach and clean out your gutters with a simple grip and pull motion. Remove pesky leaves, twigs, and any other debris clogging your gutters.

Please Remember

Gutter tongs may be convenient, but they do depend on the strength in your hands to move debris and dislodge a clog while only offering a limited range of motion. If you are dealing with a large amount of debris in your gutters, especially after a storm, you may also need a backup method for a more thorough clean. Consider using the gutter tongs for removing large pieces of debris and follow up with a gutter cleaning wand to thoroughly rinse all obstructions.

Here's how to use gutter tongs:

1. Extend the pole. Extend the pole to the desired length.
2. Open the tongs. Open the tongs by squeezing the trigger.
3. Insert the tongs into the gutter. Carefully insert the tongs into the gutter, being careful not to damage the gutter or downspout.
4. Grip the debris. Once the tongs are in the gutter, squeeze the trigger to close the tongs and grip the debris.
5. Remove the debris. Remove the debris from the gutter and dispose of it properly.
6. Repeat as needed. Repeat steps 3-5 until the gutter is completely clear of debris.

4. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum or Gutter Vacuum to Clean Gutters

Have a wet/dry vacuum at home? A wet/dry vacuum is a powerful tool that can suck up any dirt and debris from your gutters.

Something to Consider

As versatile as wet/dry vacuums are for cleaning a wide variety of spills, they can be cumbersome to empty and the nozzle and hose may get clogged as you suck up bigger pieces of debris. Consider using gutter tongs to start before reaching for the wet/dry vacuum.

Here's how to use a wet/dry vacuum or gutter vacuum to clean gutters:

1. Attach the hose to the vacuum. Most wet/dry vacuums and gutter vacuums come with a hose attachment. Simply attach the hose to the vacuum.
2. Turn on the vacuum. Turn on the vacuum to the highest setting.
3. Insert the hose into the gutter. Insert the hose into the gutter, being careful not to damage the gutter or downspout.
4. Move the hose back and forth. Move the hose back and forth along the gutter, sucking up the debris.
5. Clear the downspout. Once the gutter is clear, move the hose to the downspout and suck up any debris that may be blocking it.
6. Repeat as needed. Repeat steps 4-5 until the gutter is completely clear of debris.
7. Turn off the vacuum. Once the gutter is clean, turn off the vacuum and disconnect the hose.

5. The Easiest Way to Clean Gutters Without a Ladder: Hire the Professionals

Let's face it, cleaning gutters isn't exactly everyone's idea of a fun weekend chore. It can be time-consuming, messy, and comes with potential dangers. Neglecting your gutters, on the other hand, isn’t an option as it can lead to serious problems down the road, including water damage to your roof and foundation. Call on a trusted professional to tackle your gutter cleaning whenever the job feels a little too big, you want to save time, or simply prefer someone else handle it for you. Service professionals can handle gutter debris with ease for:

• Multiple Story Buildings: If your home has multiple stories, reaching the gutters safely from the ground can be difficult if not impossible.
• Obstructions Around the Gutters: Tree branches, bushes, or other landscaping features close to your gutters can make it hard to use tools or reach certain areas.
• Maintenance Backlog: Serious clogs and debris backup that have not been cleaned in a few seasons can be overwhelming for a DIY approach.

Give Your Gutters the Professional Care They Need

Window Genie® is here to help you take the worry (and work) out of gutter cleaning. We offer professional gutter cleaning services that are your best option for a safe and convenient way to keep your gutters free of debris.

With Window Genie you will have clean gutters in a matter of hours allowing you time to do something else.

Convenient: Window Genie offers a hassle-free gutter cleaning service. You simply schedule an appointment, and your local servicer professionals handle everything from setup to clean up.

Thorough Cleaning: Your gutters are completely cleared of debris, preventing potential water damage and protecting your home's foundation. You can trust Window Genie to get the job done and done right.

Reliability and Satisfaction: Backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise®, Window Genie is committed to customer satisfaction - ensuring you're happy with our work.

Safety: By hiring Window Genie to professionally clean your gutters, you avoid the risks associated with climbing ladders and cleaning gutters yourself.

If your gutters aren’t the only thing that needs a deep cleaning, count on Window Genie to handle cleaning the rest of the exterior of your home as well, from window cleaning to pressure washing.

Reach out to your local Window Genie today to schedule your next gutter cleaning job.

---

The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance and may not address specific circumstances. Gutter cleaning can be hazardous, and attempting DIY methods may not guarantee optimal results or safety. For professional, efficient, and safe gutter cleaning, contact Window Genie. Our experts can assess your property's unique needs and provide an accurate estimate.