Clean Your Gutters

Before you climb the ladder, decide what to do with the debris you clean from the gutters. Some people find it easiest to throw the debris to the ground and clean up later (if you wish, you can spread a plastic tarp on the ground to catch the debris you throw). Another option is to collect it as you work, in a garbage bag tied to the ladder or in a bucket attached to a rung with an S-hook.

Wearing work gloves and eye protection, climb the ladder (with the bucket or garbage bag, if you're using one) and attach a U-shaped ladder stabilizer to the roof to balance the ladder and to protect your gutters and roof from damage.

Remove any guards or screens that cover the gutters. Then pull out loose leaves and twigs within arm’s reach, including around the downspout. Use a garden trowel to scoop wet or stubborn debris.

When the section is clear, move the ladder to the center of the next section, so you can clean gutter on both sides of you. Clean the second section and then move the ladder to the center of the next section. Continue moving the ladder to the middle of sections and cleaning gutter to the end.

Starting at the highest point of the gutter — the end farthest from the downspout or, if your gutter has two downspouts, in the middle of the run of the gutter — use a hose with a spray attachment to spray the length of your gutters until they are clean. Move the ladder as needed — you won't have to move it as much as you did for scooping out the debris.

As you work, note low spots where the water pools and leaking holes or seams, and plan to address those problems.

When you reach the downspout, spray water into it until it runs clear. If a clog blocks the free flow of water, use a drain snake to remove the clog.