What Are the Best Gutter Cleaning Tools?

The water from an overflowing gutter can cause thousands of dollars in damage to the fascia and foundation of your home. Gutters cannot be ignored, but gutter cleaning is no small job. Depending on your landscaping, it may be a job you take on several times a year.

To get the job done right (and safely), you’ll need the right tools. We’ve made a list of some of the best gutter cleaning tools for homeowners. However, there are circumstances under which hiring professional gutter cleaners would be a safer option. We’ll address the when and why’s of hiring pros, too.

A ladder is one of the best gutter cleaning tools around. At the very least, you can clean the gutters using just a ladder and your hand to scoop out the debris. Ladders come in handy with many of the other tools on this list, too.

Pro Tip: As a safety precaution, have someone hold the ladder while you are on it.

Wet/dry vacuums can suck thin to medium thickness debris straight from the gutter. Many wet/dry vac manufacturers offer a gutter cleaning set (sold separately) that includes an extension tube or hose and a curved nozzle. The extra length and shape of the nozzle let you clean gutters from the ground.

Pro Tip: A wet/dry vac may not pick up thick, heavy debris.

A leaf blower gutter cleaning set typically includes a nozzle that concentrates the air pressure to blow light debris out of the gutter. You’ll need a ladder and eye protection because there’s a good chance that blowing dirt, sticks, and leaves will get messy.

If the gutters aren’t too clogged and the downspouts do not drain underground, you may be able to wash debris into the downspouts using a hose and spray nozzle. Make sure the debris makes its way all the way down and out of the downspout.

Pro Tip: Make sure to buy hoses of the right length. If you have a two-story home, you might need one long hose or two short hoses.

Gutter scoops and spoons are made in various shapes and sizes, but they all perform the same basic function. They reach into the gutter and scrape out debris using the scoop’s handle instead of your hand. Gutters can be full of all kinds of debris, from sand and pine needles to nests and pest infestations. If you’re not too excited about sticking your hand into an unknown mass, one of these tools gives you a degree of separation from what’s lurking in the mess.

Telescoping wands are gutter cleaning tools for 2 story houses, though they work on single-story homes, too. These wands let you stay on the ground while reaching into the gutter. You can also use them to reach second or third stories. These telescopic gutter cleaning tools offer adjustable length and may include a few attachments.

Ridding gutters of debris can be a messy job. In some cases, like multiple stories, steep rooflines, and sloped landscaping, it can be dangerous, too. Seriously consider whether you want to do the job yourself or hire professional gutter cleaners to do it for you. Gutter cleaning costs may save enough time (and money on gutter cleaning tools) to make the expensive well worth it. Look up gutter cleaners near you and get a quote based on the size of your home and gutter type. You may find that the pros can do it for less of a hassle than doing it yourself. Plus, your feet will stay firmly on the ground.