Gutter Cleaning Hacks: Using Household Items to Keep Gutters Flowing

 

Have you started spring cleaning yet? If you’re like the other millions of Americans who love to refresh their homes for spring, you’ve probably already completed a cleaning task or two. Sprucing up our homes for the warmer months not only refreshes the inside of our homes but the exterior, making our homes more appealing and vibrant.

 

There’s a lot of spring cleaning to get done. Homeowners opt for cleaning and projects like pressure washing the exterior, restaining the deck, deep cleaning the floors, and so on. One spring cleaning chore you should cross off your list this season is cleaning the gutters so they can keep water flowing freely all spring and summer long.

 

Have you ever cleaned your gutters before? If not, or if you need a refresher, continue reading. We’ll discuss some gutter cleaning hacks using household items to keep your gutters flowing and looking their best!

 

 

Household Items to Clean Gutters

Cleaning gutters at home is a relatively easy chore but can take many hours and sometimes days to complete. You may already have these items to clean your gutters at your house. Below are some household items you’ll need to clean your gutters:

 

Ladder

Gutter systems are hard to reach, and a tall ladder is required. Ensure you’re using a sturdy ladder that doesn’t easily tip and can support extra weight since you’ll need to lug up some tools while you clean the gutters.

 

Using a tall ladder can be dangerous, so use caution. If you feel uncomfortable, contact a professional gutter cleaning service to clean your gutters or ask a family member or friend for help.

 

Gloves

Are you aware of all the things that could be lurking inside a gutter system? Half-round gutter systems or gutters that don’t have guards leave the inside of the gutter completely exposed. This allows debris like leaves, sharp twigs, and even critters to find their way inside the gutter.

 

You’ll want to use thick gloves while cleaning your gutters so you don’t accidentally get hurt by a sharp twig, pinecone, or critter. Creepy crawlies like insects and snakes have been known to dwell inside a gutter system, so use your gloves to keep your hands protected.

 

Bucket

Next, you’ll need something to hold the debris you scoop out of the gutters. Gutters have a lot of wet leaves, sticks, and nests from pests and even critters. You’ll need a bucket to gather everything you remove from the gutters.

 

Scoop

You can use your hands (with gloves on) to gather any remaining smaller debris, but a scoop will remove the bulk of the debris inside the gutter. You more than likely have a scoop lying around the house – any kind will do.

 

Plumber’s Snake

Sometimes debris gets stuck in the joints where the downspouts meet the gutter. If you’re unable to remove a blockage by hand, grab a plumber’s snake and carefully insert it in the corners of the downspouts.

 

Garden Hose

The last household item you’ll need to clean your gutters is a garden hose. After scooping and removing all debris by hand, you’ll notice a bit of leaves, silt, and maybe roof sediment remains. A garden hose will allow you to flush out any remaining debris like small leaves, silt, and roof sediment that’s hard to get by hand or scoop.

 

 

Gutter Cleaning Hacks

Now that we’re familiar with the household items needed to clean your gutter system, let’s discuss some gutter cleaning hacks that can make the daunting task easier and less time-consuming. 

 

• Gather Household Items Above

Before cleaning your gutters, gather all the household items previously mentioned. Make sure you have a tall ladder, gloves, bucket, scoop, plumber’s snake, and garden hose easily accessible.

 

• Remove Debris

This is the most time-consuming step in the gutter cleaning process. Removing debris includes grabbing it with your scoop and hands and placing it in the bucket. You’ll need to do this around the perimeter of your home, constantly climbing up and down the ladder as you move it around your home’s gutter system.

 

• Flush Out the Gutters

Once you’ve removed debris by hand, flush your gutters with your garden hose. Running the water through the gutters will help flush out silt and roof sediment and it’ll allow you to test how well the water flows through the gutter system.

 

Again, cleaning the gutters yourself is an easy task but a very time-consuming one. You should only climb a tall ladder if you feel comfortable.

 

 

Save Time with K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop’s Gutter Cleaning Service

Tired of cleaning your gutters yourself? K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop offers a gutter cleaning and repair service that will get your gutters sparkling clean and ready for the rainy season. While we clean your gutters, if we notice any issues or things that need fixing, we can suggest repairs and give you a free estimate to repair any damage.

 

While we can get your gutters sparkling clean, they’ll need to be deep cleaned at least twice per year. A permanent solution to never having to clean your gutters again is to install our Xtreme Mesh Gutter Guards or the K-Guard System. Our gutter guards go directly over the gutter and block debris from entering the system. K-Guard is a complete system with a curved hood that keeps all debris out and is backed by multiple lifetime warranties!

 

If your gutters need cleaning or you need to replace your existing gutters, consider installing seamless gutters and guards or the K-Guard System from the K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop. 

We’ve been installing, cleaning, and repairing gutter systems for decades with tens of thousands of happy customers in Lynchburg and surrounding areas. We can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free estimate!