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How to Clean Gutters Safely
Clogged gutters cause real damage. An hour of prevention.
Time 60 minsDifficulty MediumTools Ladder, gloves, bucket, hose
The short version
- Set up a sturdy ladder on level ground. Never overreach.
- Scoop out leaves and debris with gloved hands into a bucket.
- Flush the gutters with a garden hose.
- Check downspouts for clogs.
- Make sure water flows freely away from the house.
What you need
Your car should already have all of this: a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire (usually under the trunk floor or mounted underneath). Check your owner's manual if you can't find them.
Directions
- Ladder safety first. Place the ladder on firm, level ground. Keep your hips within the rails, never lean out. Have someone hold it if possible.
- Scoop the debris. Wearing gloves, scoop leaves and gunk into a bucket. Work in small sections, moving the ladder as you go.
- Flush with water. Run a garden hose through the gutter to wash out the fine stuff and check the slope.
- Clear the downspouts. If water backs up, the downspout is clogged. Try the hose on full blast from the top, or use a plumber's snake.
- Check the flow. Water should run freely through gutters and away from your foundation. That's the whole point.