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Best way to clean your gutters: top tips from a Which? Trusted Trader
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, and highlights the best deals during major sales events.
Clearing your gutters regularly is crucial to prevent debris building up and causing blockages, which could lead to a hefty repair bill. If water can't flow away properly, it can overflow or seep into parts of your home.
But a little regular upkeep can go a long way. With wetter weather on the way, now is a good time to get prepared. Staying on top of your guttering can reduce the risk of damp, mould and water damage, while helping rainwater drain away as it should.
Below, with the help of a Which? Trusted Trader, we explain how often your gutters need attention, which methods and tools are worth considering, plus when a problem is best left to a professional.
For advice on cleaning gutters, we caught up with Lee Wiltshire, company director at London Gutter Clean Ltd. The family-run business is a Which? Trusted Trader and has a five-star customer score on our website.
Established in 2011, its dedicated guttering team cleans, repairs and replaces gutters and fascias on domestic and commercial properties, alongside carrying out minor roof repairs.
Why is it important to clean gutters?
Climbing a ladder and cleaning your gutters isn't the most exciting task in the world, but it's better than dealing with water damage further down the line. Keeping them clear allows rainwater to flow away properly, rather than overflowing or collecting where it shouldn't.
Lee told us: 'Neglected gutters tend to accumulate excess weight from moss and standing water, leading to increased pressure on all components, especially at critical points like joiners, corners and end caps.
'This extra strain can shorten the lifespan of your gutter system.'
Over time, that extra weight can cause sections of guttering to sag, crack or pull away from your home, so tackling debris early could save you money on repairs.
We’ve surveyed Which? Trusted Traders to find out how much you can expect to pay for some common roofing jobs. See our guide: How much do roof repairs cost?
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Lee recommends cleaning your gutters once or twice a year. However, the frequency can vary depending on your surroundings and the condition of your roof.
Lee says: 'Some fortunate homeowners might find they can go a couple of years between cleanings. However, if you have trees nearby or significant moss coverage on your roof, you might need to clean the gutters more frequently.'
Autumn is a particularly useful time to check your gutters, once nearby trees have started shedding their leaves and before wetter winter weather arrives. Take a look after particularly windy or stormy weather, too, when extra debris may have found its way onto your roof and into the guttering.
You don't necessarily need to wait until your next clean if you spot a problem. Water spilling over the sides when it rains, sagging sections of guttering or visible debris are all signs that they may need attention sooner.
What’s the best way to clean your gutter?
If you're confident working at height, you can clean your gutters yourself. Make sure your ladder is on firm, level ground and avoid stretching or leaning to reach debris. If possible, have someone with you to help keep the ladder steady.
Cleaning by hand
'In many cases, we prefer cleaning by hand – try using an extension pole with gutter attachments to fit most shapes,' says Lee.
A pair of sturdy gardening gloves and a small trowel can also make it easier to scoop out leaves, moss and other debris. Drop what you remove into a bucket rather than onto the ground below.
Once you've cleared as much as you can, rinse the gutter with a garden hose. This will wash away smaller bits of debris and give you a chance to check that water is flowing towards the downpipe as it should.
See our guide to the best garden hoses and hose guns for tools to help.
Using a gutter vacuum
A gutter vacuum is another option and can allow you to tackle debris from ground level, depending on the type of equipment you use.
'If ladder work isn't feasible, we also use gutter vacuums. These are excellent tools, although they might struggle to thoroughly clear debris, especially in the tight corners of gutters or the swan necks of downpipes.'
Can you use a pressure washer to clean your gutters?
Leading manufacturers, such as Karcher, advise against using a pressure washer while standing on a ladder, for safety reasons. A high-pressure jet of water could also damage guttering or roofing materials if used incorrectly.
Instead, some pressure washers can be fitted with specially designed gutter-cleaning attachments that allow you to work from the ground. These are usually sold separately, so check that an attachment is compatible with your machine before buying.
With the right attachment, a pressure washer can help dislodge loose debris without you having to climb a ladder. However, it won't necessarily be the easiest option for every job.
Lee says: 'Typically, gutters are filled with leaves and moss, making pressure washing a messy option that could complicate the task rather than simplify it. However, we do use pressure washers with gutter-cleaning attachments when necessary.'
We've tested pressure washers from Bosch, Karcher, Ryobi and more. To see the high-scoring models, explore our guide on the best pressure washers.
Member-exclusive: Which? Best Buys to help you clean your gutters
From protecting your hands to rinsing away leftover debris, having the right kit can make gutter maintenance a much easier job.
These three Best Buys impressed in our tests:
| Best Buy garden hose | Best Buy gardening gloves | Best Buy pressure washer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Tough, flexible and resistant to kinking | Excellent protection with plenty of dexterity | Powerful cleaning with a generous hose length |
| Model | |||
| Which? test score | |||
| Where to buy |
Log in now or join Which? to reveal the products in our table.
What if your downpipes are blocked?
The team at London Gutter Clean Ltd recommends cleaning downpipes alongside your gutters. Signs of a blockage can include water overflowing from the guttering or backing up around the top of the downpipe when it rains.
If you can safely access the opening, check for leaves, moss or other debris that can be easily removed. A garden hose can also help you check whether water is flowing freely through the downpipe, but avoid forcing anything into it if the blockage won't shift.
Lee explains: 'If you discover blockages below ground level, it is usually best to call in a drainage specialist, as these issues can be severe. Nevertheless, you can attempt to clear minor blockages using a drain cleaning hose with your pressure washer as a DIY solution.'
If you don’t feel confident working at height, your gutters are heavily blocked or your home is already showing signs of water damage, it's time to call in an expert. A professional can also help if you can't locate the blockage or water still isn't draining properly after you've cleared visible debris.
To find a trusted professional to help with gutter cleaning or repairs, visit the Which? Trusted Traders website.
