It can be easy to put off cleaning gutters, but it’s a necessary job that isn’t difficult and will keep them working properly. Rain gutters get clogged with leaves and other debris over time, so it’s best to clean them regularly to avoid more difficult work later. The good news is, it’s not hard to clean gutters but you need the get the right tools. This article explains the most important considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best gutter cleaner.

Gutter Conditions

Before you start cleaning your gutters, it’s worth assessing their condition. If your gutters have seen better days, it might be better to have them replaced. Certain issues are fixable, like leaks and loose brackets. Dents and holes could be a different story.

A dent in your gutter can lead to a backup very quickly. A dent will affect the slope of the gutter, if only for a very small space. This change in slope will collect dirt and debris, creating a dam that obstructs flow. While clearing that dam will help, the fix is temporary and a backup will likely occur again quickly.

Holes will drip in wet weather and can cause damage to your foundation over time. You can use a sealant to patch the hole, but replacing the gutter might be a better option for large holes.

Material 

Gutter material is also worth keeping in mind. The most common materials are aluminum and vinyl, but copper is used as a high-end alternative. Aluminum gutters are very durable, so cleaning them usually isn’t an issue. It’s vinyl you need to be careful with.

Vinyl can be brittle in cold temperatures. Applying a bit of force to a vinyl gutter in cold conditions could potentially crack it or break a hanger. While it’s never pleasant to clean your gutters on a cold day, this is an even better reason to avoid it when the temperature drops. If you wait until it’s sunnier, vinyl can be very forgiving.

Attachment Length

If you’re looking to purchase a gutter cleaning kit in order to stay on the ground while clearing your gutters, be sure to consider its length. Whether it’s a shop vac kit, garden hose attachment, or pressure washer wand, the device needs to reach over and into your gutters to be effective.

If you’re considering a gutter claw, length is still worth paying attention to. Most of these claws come as standalone attachments, so you’ll have to purchase an extendable pole separately. Choose something that will reach a manageable distance without being awkward while you’re standing on a ladder. A painter’s pole (available here) or broomstick will help, allowing you to reach at least 6 feet on either side of the ladder while still managing the apparatus safely.

Necessary Equipment

Certain types of products won’t work without the necessary equipment. For instance, to use a pressure washer kit, you’ll need to own a pressure washer. If you want to blow your leaves out of your gutter, you’ll have to shop for a leaf blower or wet/dry vac, assuming you don’t already have one.

General must-haves could include gloves, eye protection, a garden hose, a garbage bag for debris, and likely a ladder. If you’re blowing your leaves out of your gutter, you’ll probably want to keep a rake handy, as well.

Keep in mind that regardless of the gutter cleaner you choose, you’ll probably still need a ladder at some point. It’s entirely possible for a branch or large obstruction to lodge itself in your gutter, so it’s not always feasible to clean them from the ground.

Power

Believe it or not, there are robotic gutter cleaners available that you can drop into your gutter to avoid getting your hands dirty. You control them with a wireless remote, and they track up and down your gutter, throwing debris over the edge. They run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and have enough run time to tackle an entire home’s gutters in one charge.

However, these models are expensive. And, it’s a distinct possibility that your neighbours will want you to clean their gutters with your cool new toy as well.

Ease of Use

Before you choose a gutter-cleaning product, you might do well to acknowledge that they’re not all easy to work with. Using any type of wand, be it for a pressure washer or a leaf blower, does require a bit of skill and dexterity. These products can be somewhat physically demanding, particularly holding a leaf blower or pressure washer gun at a height and angle that reaches your gutters.

Beyond that, you’ll want to choose a product that is easy to set up. For claw-type gutter cleaners, a simple screw-on attachment method is best. For vacuum and blower attachments, find a product that attaches easily and securely to avoid it falling or blowing off while in use. Most pressure washers use quick-fit fittings, so look for an attachment that you can snap in easily and get to work.