To clean gutters protected by guards, start by removing leaves and debris from the top of the guards, then flush the system with water. The basic approach is to clear off any material on the guard surface (by hand, brush, or even a leaf blower) and then spray the gutters with a garden hose or pressure washer. This forces out any trapped dirt beneath the guards and down the downspouts. In short: rinse the guards with a hose and a soft brush, remove or lift off guard sections if needed, scoop out any clogging debris from inside the trough, then give everything a good final rinse and inspection. (Even the most effective guards still need some upkeep.)
Why Gutter Guards Still Need Cleaning
Gutter guards cut down on big clogs but don’t eliminate all debris. Fines – like pine needles, seed pods, and grit – can still wash or blow onto the guards and slowly accumulate. One home-maintenance guide notes that “even the best gutter guards… can’t completely eliminate the need for maintenance,” so a little cleaning is needed now and then. In fact, many people assume guards mean “never clean again,” but that’s not true. They do reduce how often you’ll clean, but leaves and dirt can still pile up around the edges or on top. In other words, guards help prevent major clogs, but periodic check-ups (at least once in a while) are recommended.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin, gather these basic supplies:
- Ladder & safety gear: Use a sturdy extension ladder rated for your height and weight, and always place it on firm, level ground. If possible, have someone hold the base for extra stability. Wear gloves, safety goggles and long sleeves to protect against sharp debris or splashes.
- Bucket or tarp: You’ll need a receptacle to collect waste. Hook a bucket to the ladder or lay a tarp on the ground to catch leaves and gunk as you clean.
- Brush or gutter tool: A soft-bristled brush or a gutter scoop/trowel helps dislodge and remove stuck-on grime. Many guides recommend tools like a gutter scoop or small garden spade to scrape and lift out debris.
- Garden hose (or pressure washer): A hose is essential for flushing the gutter system after scraping. For heavy buildup, a pressure-washer attachment can blast out remaining clogs, but use low pressure to avoid damaging the guards.
With your tools ready, climb the ladder carefully (maintaining 3 points of contact) and move it along the house as needed. Always test the ladder’s stability and angle before leaning out to work.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Clear debris off the guards. Put on your gloves and brush or rake leaves and twigs off the top of the gutter guards. The goal is to remove all loose material so it can’t wash inside. One expert advises giving the guards “a quick rinse with a hose… or [using] a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any accumulated debris”. A leaf blower on low speed is also handy for blowing dry leaves off the guards’ surface.
- Remove guards if needed. If your gutter guards come in sections or slides (many mesh and foam guards do), carefully take down one section at a time. Lay each piece on the ground and rinse or brush it clean. This lets you scoop out the gutter beneath more easily. (Some guards clip in place and others just sit in the trough; remove whatever is safe and practical.) As you clean each section, inspect it for damage – torn or bent guards should be repaired or replaced so they continue protecting the gutter.
- Scoop out interior debris. With the guards out of the way, use your trowel or gutter scoop to dig any clogged material out of the gutter channel. Starting from one end (usually at a downspout) and working toward the other, scoop or pick up leaves, pine needles, and any sludge you find. Drop the debris into your bucket or onto the tarp. If mud or wet leaves are stuck on, gently scrape them off with the tool edge. This manual cleaning clears the bulk of blockages.
- Flush and inspect. After scooping, reconnect the hose and spray water through the gutter from the highest point. Water should run freely to the downspout. Watch and listen as you spray: if you see water backing up or leaking around a joint, you may have missed some clog. In that case, keep flushing until debris clears. You can also remove the downspout end and hose water directly down the pipe. For a very stubborn clog (e.g. a hardened mud plug), consider using a plumber’s snake or a pressure washer attachment. These tools can break up tough blockages that a hose alone can’t. Once water flows smoothly out of the downspout, replace any guard sections you removed and ensure they’re seated properly.
- Final check. Do a visual inspection and/or a test flush one more time. Make sure the gutter seams are tight and there are no gaps. Listen for any dripping or spilling water that shouldn’t happen. When everything is clear, lower the ladder carefully. Most pros recommend repeating this cleaning twice a year – typically in spring and fall – even with guards installed. That way you prevent debris from building up over multiple seasons.
After Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Keeping gutters clear is critical to avoid water damage. Even though guards help, debris will gradually accumulate with time and weather. Schedule a full cleaning each spring and fall, and give your gutters a quick once-over after any big storm or heavy leaf-fall. (Also trim any overhanging tree limbs to reduce leaf drop.) If you prefer not to climb a ladder yourself, a professional gutter cleaner can service covered gutters safely and efficiently. In fact, hiring an expert for routine maintenance often costs far less than the thousands you could pay to repair foundation or roof damage from neglected gutters.
By following these steps – clearing the guard tops, scooping out gutter debris, and flushing the system – you’ll keep your gutter guards working at peak performance. Clean gutters will channel rainwater off your roof and away from your home as designed. With a little regular upkeep, you’ll protect your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage while spending far less time on ladder duty.
