How to Clean Your Gutters the Right Way, According to Pros

Gutters direct rainwater away from your home's front and foundation to prevent water damage. If they’re functioning properly, you may not even remember they’re there. But ignoring gutter maintenance for too long can put your home at risk.

Throughout the seasons, debris collects in your gutters, whether it has fallen from trees, blown in with the wind, or was carried there by animals like squirrels. Removing this detritus from your gutters is the key to ensuring they function properly.

To help you tackle this seasonal chore, we turned to seasoned home improvement professionals who shared their tips for how to clean gutters—and how often you should.

Importance of Gutter Maintenance

Keeping your gutters clear is an essential part of the overall upkeep of your home. Gutters collect rainwater (and melted snow) and drain it properly so it doesn't damage your home.

“Over time, gutters can collect a significant amount of debris, which prevents rainwater from entering the gutter and draining properly,” says Carlo Fiorella, a general manager at Cornerstone Building Brands. Having clear, clean gutters protects the foundation and exterior of your home from water damage and leaks, which often require costly repairs.

How Often to Clean Gutters 

Cleaning your gutters is a big job, but you don’t have to do it often. “On average, you should clean your gutters twice a year,” says Gary McCoy, a store manager at Lowe’s. He recommends cleaning them once in the spring and once in the fall but advises you to check them after a heavy rain or storm to ensure they’re still clear.

You can also buy a gutter protection system, like gutter guards, which help prevent clogged gutters and downspouts. They help keep leaves, twigs, and other natural debris out of your gutters so you can clean them less often. “These solutions also eliminate the need for manual maintenance with a self-cleaning, weather-resistant design so homeowners can avoid climbing those ladders,” says Fiorella.

Materials You Need

Make sure you have the following materials and tools on hand when cleaning your gutters.

• Gloves
• Ladder
• Hose
• Leaf blower (optional)
• Gutter hose attachment (optional)
• Gutter guards (optional)

How to Clean Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is an easy process you can do with gloves, a ladder, and a hose.

1. Clear Out the Downspout

Start by removing any material near the downspout and clearing any downspout strainers if you have them. 

2. Flush Out the Gutters

Using a hose, flush out the gutter. You may find it helpful to use a gutter attachment, but it’s not always necessary.

3. Flush Out the Downspout.

Flush out the downspout with your hose. If the downspout is one piece, take off the bands to remove the downspout, then flush it out with a hose and reattach it.

4. Remove Any Clogs

Feed the hose nozzle through the top of the spout and spray at full pressure to relieve any clogs. Place a bucket underneath the spout to catch any debris that may come out. 

5. Flush Out the Gutters Again

Once you clear any clogs, reattach the downspout and flush the gutters again. If the water is not flowing through the gutter that likely means it is not correctly pitched. Fix this by detaching the hangers and adjusting the gutter to the correct slope for proper water flow. 

6. Repair Leaks

Repair any gutter leaks you notice. For the best results, make sure your gutters are completely dry. 

7. Add Gutter Guards (Optional)

After the gutters are cleaned out, consider adding gutter guards to help keep most debris out of the gutters. 

When to Replace Your Gutters

More often than not your gutters need cleaning rather than replacing. However, Fiorella says that if you have old gutters or a leak you should contact a licensed professional who can advise whether you need to repair or replace them.

That said, there are a few tell-tale signs your gutters need to be replaced. “If your gutters are clogged and overflowing after cleaning, you may need to replace them with a larger size to fit your house,” says McCoy.

When your gutters are waterlogged for a prolonged period they start to sag and typically need to be replaced. Additionally, rusted gutters become brittle, so if you notice rust, it’s time to replace them.