Do you experience dizziness on a ladder or have mobility issues? While cleaning the gutters is an important part for maintaining your home’s exterior, you might be reluctant to climb that ladder for whatever reason. Most gutter cleaning tools used at ground level will require an attachment of some kind. If hiring a gutter cleaning service is not an option, consider cleaning your gutters from the ground with these common household machines.
Benefits of Cleaning the Gutters from the Ground
Even though at MHC Gutters we feel that the best way to gutter clean is from a ladder, cleaning the gutters from the ground does have some benefits.
- The gutters are being cleaned
- You can DIY gutter cleaning
- You don’t have to balance while cleaning gutter sections from a ladder
- Reduces the risk of injury
On the Ground Gutter Cleaning Tips
Give yourself plenty of time. Unless you use a telescopic wand with “eyes” (a camera or a mirror) you will essentially be working blind. It might take longer cleaning a gutter system from the ground than it would from a ladder because you have to move slowly, depending more on “feel” than on sight.
Wear safety goggles just in case, particularly when using a leaf blower, power washer, or garden hose – you never know what might fly at or splash into your eyes.
Wear clothes you’re not afraid to get dirty or have to part with. Using a power washer or even a garden hose from ground level can get messy. You might want to use an old raincoat to protect yourself from wet, falling debris.
Let everyone know the day and time you’ll be gutter cleaning. Ensure all windows are closed; pets are inside; and outside outlets have been covered or the power will be cut.
How to Choose a Gutter Cleaning Tool
Pick the right gutter cleaning tool for your home. For example, if you have more firs on your property than maple trees, a power washer would be more effective than a leaf blower. Before purchasing a machine or specific attachments or a gutter cleaning kit, consider the following:
Condition of your gutter system – Evaluate the condition of the gutters. They should have no dents, sagging, loose hardware, or haven’t been cleaned in three or more years. When a gutter system is in rough shape, consider hiring a gutter professional. In this situation, cleaning the gutters from the ground could be problematic.
Age of your gutters – Even when gutters are in good shape, take into account the age of the gutter system. Older gutters might be susceptible to the power of a pressure washer pushing water in between the back of a gutter section and the fascia.
User-friendly – You don’t want to by a gutter cleaning tool that will give you grief. If you don’t feel comfortable operating an appliance or device with a remote control, a gutter robot might not be a good fit. Pressure washers can be difficult to manage easily. If you select a leaf blower, choose an attachment that will be easy to use; some aren’t.
Attachment type and length – As mentioned above any machine you use to clean the gutters from the ground will need the corresponding type of attachment and be the right length to reach the gutters from ground level. If your home is more than one storey, check to see if the attachment will reach a second storey gutter run.
Tools used to Clean Gutters from Ground Level
Power Washer
A power washer with an attachment to reach the gutters from the ground will provide enough force to get rid of the debris in the gutters. If you’re buying a nozzle attachment for a machine you already own, ensure it will fit properly.
Garden Hose
For older gutter systems a safer option is to use a garden hose with a pole attachment. Some nozzle attachments can produce almost as much pressure as a power washer, but with less force, eliminating dents in aluminum gutters.
Leaf Blower
Instead of using water, a leaf blower uses a fan or impeller to create the air pressure that blows away the leaves and debris. After you’ve done with the leaf blower, take your garden hose (another attachment if you don’t want to break out the ladder) to rinse out any residual debris that was left behind.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
The best part of a wet/dry vacuum is that you won’t have to clean up – just like a standard vacuum all of the debris is sucked up into a container.
Gutter Robot
You will need a ladder to place the robot into the gutter system. But it can be operated by remote control from the ground.
Cleaning up after Cleaning the Gutters
Unless your gutter cleaning tool is a wet/dry vac, you will have to do some more cleaning, this time on the ground. Remove the leaves and debris from the ground beneath the eaves with a rake or leaf blower.
Wipe down the machine; clean any attachments that need it; if you used a ladder, inspect it before putting it away.
Check the siding for splashes. It’s best not to leave gunk on the siding to dry – it might ruin the siding’s finish.
