DIY Gutter Cleaning Guide
Safe and effective tips for cleaning your Houston gutters yourself
That's Awesome!
You plan to perform gutter cleaning yourself! Of course, we prefer you give us a call, but it's great that you want to do it yourself. Make sure to follow these safety tips to stay safe and get excellent results.
Safety First!
The most important thing is that you finish the job safely
Ladder Safety
Use a sturdy ladder with a leg leveler - this may be the most important decision for DIY gutter cleaning. You must set up the ladder properly to avoid falling.
- Use ladder with leg leveler
- Have second person hold ladder
- Essential for 2nd or 3rd story homes
- Extra caution when ground is slippery
Eye & Hand Protection
Defend your eyes and hands from debris, dirt, mud, and sticks that can cause serious injuries during gutter cleaning.
- Always wear safety goggles
- Use work gloves (available at Home Depot)
- Never clean gutters with bare hands
- Protect against flying debris
Pay extra attention when mud is in the ground around Houston. Our clay soil becomes extremely slippery after rainfall, making ladder accidents more likely. Check ground conditions before starting!
What You'll Need
Essential tools and equipment for successful DIY gutter cleaning
Sturdy Ladder
With leg leveler
Work Gloves
Heavy-duty protection
Safety Goggles
Eye protection
Buckets
For debris collection
S Hooks
Attach bucket to ladder
Hand Shovel
Or gutter scoop
Water Hose
For final rinse
Drain Snake
For tough clogs
Trash Bags
Heavy-duty bags
Never Use Pressure Washer
A pressure washer will spray all the dirt and mud on your windows and walls, creating an even bigger mess to clean up. Use a regular water hose instead.
Optional: Gutter Vacuum
For very tough-to-reach areas, you can use a gutter vacuum. This specialized tool can help you clean gutters from the ground in some situations.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow these steps for efficient and safe gutter cleaning
Set Up Safely
Position your sturdy ladder on level ground. If using a leg leveler, adjust it properly. Have a second person hold the ladder, especially for multi-story homes. Check that the ground isn't muddy or slippery.
Start at the Downspout
Begin cleaning from the side where the downspout is located. This strategy saves time because once you reach the end of the gutters, you can easily wash the remaining debris toward the downspout.
Remove Debris Efficiently
Use your gloved hands or a gutter scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and debris. Place waste directly into a bucket attached to the ladder with S hooks, or put bags in your back pocket. This technique helps avoid dropping trash on the ground.
Clear the Downspouts
Push your water hose down the gutters and downspouts. This will get rid of 90% of all the mud and remaining debris. For stubborn clogs, use a professional drain snake to break them up.
Rinse the Gutters
Once debris is removed, use your water hose to rinse the entire gutter system. Start from the end opposite the downspout and work your way back, pushing any remaining particles toward the drain.
Inspect for Problems
While washing the gutters, check for leaks, rust spots, sagging sections, or loose fasteners. Make note of any areas that need gutter repairs. Address these issues promptly to prevent bigger problems.
Be Efficient
Pro tips to save time and improve results
Bag As You Go
Take a few bags to the roof and fill them as you clean. Drop filled bags down rather than debris, minimizing ground mess and cleanup time.
Strategic Starting Point
Always start from the downspout side. This way, when you reach the gutter's end, you can easily wash remaining debris toward the drain.
Use S Hooks
Attach your bucket to the ladder using S hooks. This keeps both hands free for cleaning and prevents the bucket from falling.
Inspect While Cleaning
Check for leaks and damage during the rinse phase. Catching problems early saves money on major repairs later.
Clean Twice Yearly
With Houston's 50 inches of annual rainfall and abundant trees, clean gutters in spring and fall for optimal protection.
Pick the Right Day
Clean on a dry day when debris is dry (easier to remove) but choose a day after recent rain to see how water flows through the system.
When to Call the Professionals
Sometimes it's better to leave it to the experts
Consider Professional Help If:
- You have a 3+ story house
- Your roof has a steep pitch
- You have physical limitations
- You lack proper safety equipment
- You're uncomfortable with heights
- You've had previous ladder accidents
- Time is a constraint
- Major repairs are needed
Professional Service Benefits:
No risk to you or your property
Commercial-grade tools and ladders
We identify problems before they become expensive
We finish in 1-2 hours what takes DIY 4+ hours
We're fully licensed and insured
Affordable rates for one-story homes
Complete Tools Checklist
Print this checklist before you start to make sure you have everything you need:
Prefer Professional Service?
Enjoy your gutter cleaning if you do it yourself, or contact Gutter Cleaning Houston for professional, safe, and efficient service starting at just $80.