How to Clean Your Gutters Safely: 5 Essential Tips
Keep your gutters clean and working properly, here’s how to clean them!
Photos By: Pixabay
Out of all the necessary diligence that goes into the proper upkeep of any house, gutter cleaning is undoubtedly the most dreaded of all. But still – having your gutter cleaned at regular intervals goes a long way in helping them be more efficient and last longer. While it is probably best to hire a professional gutter cleaning company like Winducks, to free your gutters from any debris, you can also do it yourself. So, here are five simple tips that can help you clean your gutters safely and keep them up and running all year long.
1. Use a Stable and High-Quality Ladder
Make sure that you have a good, sturdy ladder in place before you clean your gutters. You must be cautious where you place it; a flat, sturdy surface is an ideal surface. If the area around the gutters isn’t flat, it might be a good idea to use a ladder stabilizer to ensure safety and prevent any injury. Also, if possible, have a helper around in case you drop something or need a hand with the ladder.
2. Wear Proper Clothes
Cleaning gutters can often get dirty. So, make sure that you dress properly for the job. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, work pants, and rubber gloves. The gloves will protect your hands from any cuts that may be caused by metal gutters or sharp screws. Also, use safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris while you are on the ladder.
3. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
To remove the debris from the gutters, you can purchase a small, plastic scoop. Also, you can consider using a child’s sandbox shovel. In case you don’t have any of these, you can use an old plastic kitchen spatula, as it works fine and won’t damage the gutters either.
4. Consider Using Rubber Shoes
Gutter cleaning may often involve walking on the roof, and rooftops are often moist in the morning. Therefore, it is best to go about the cleaning job once the sun is well up in the sky and has dried up all the moisture. But in case you plan to do it early in the morning, it’s wise to use rubber-soled shoes, as they prevent you from slipping and getting injured.
5. Use a Garden Hose
After you have removed the debris from the gutters, you can use a garden hose to flush the gutters and flush out any remaining debris. This will also show you if the gutter has any leaks in it. You can equip the hose with a rigid, curved-end tube, and flush out any dirt from the gutters by standing on the ground. Make sure that the water pressure is strong enough to get rid of any hardened debris. Also, focus more on the areas you couldn’t reach with the scoop or shovel.
Bottom Line
Regular maintenance and cleaning of gutters can go a long way in helping them work efficiently, which will shield your house’s roof, siding, and foundation. But doing it safely with all the proper equipment is of the utmost importance.
However, in case you don’t have the necessary gear with you, make sure that you seek help from professionals, who will help you with gutter cleaning.
Nikolay Nikolov is a professional gutter and window cleaner. Nikolay is proud when he is able to help his fellow locals unclog and clean their gutters, clean their windows, driveways, eavestroughs and install their holiday lights. He loves what he does and his motto is to make the world a happier & cleaner place one home/business at a time.
