The Handy Pool Noodle Hack You'll Want To Try Next Time You Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters might not be your favorite seasonal task, but it's absolutely essential to your home's health. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation problems, and even pest infestations. Before you get started, make sure you know how to clean your gutters to make them last. But while you're focused on removing all that debris, there's another problem you might not notice until it's too late: your ladder can actually dent or scratch up the side of your gutters as you lean it into place. Even minor scratches or dents on your gutters can cause premature leaks, sagging, or even rust.

The good news is that you can avoid those scuffs and scrapes with one incredibly simple item you probably already have lying around: a pool noodle. That's right — this soft, squishy summer staple doubles as a clever cushion between your ladder and your gutters. It's an easy, affordable hack that protects your home's exterior without any special tools. All you need is a basic pool noodle (the kind you can find at Dollar Stores) and a razor knife or utility blade. When you're done, you can store the noodle pieces in your garage or shed and use them again next season. It's low-effort, budget-friendly, and can help extend the life of your gutters with one small tweak. If you are interested in more pool noodle hacks, check out these 8 pool noodle DIYs.

Start with a cheap foam pool noodle and cut it into smaller 2-ft sections. These smaller pieces are easier to handle and give you more control when placing them on the ladder. Next, take a utility knife and make a lengthwise slice down one side of each noodle piece. This slit allows you to slip the noodle around the vertical rails or top bar of your ladder. If it feels too snug, make a second cut to widen the gap slightly. You want the foam to fit snugly enough that it stays in place, but not so tight that it's a struggle to remove. Once cut, slide the noodle pieces over the parts of the ladder that come into contact with your gutters. The soft foam cushions the ladder's pressure against the metal, preventing scratches or dents. When you're done cleaning, just pop them off and store them away until next time. If you're worried about the noodles moving around too much or if the ground is uneven, try adding Velcro straps or tape for a more secure hold.

Once you've tried this trick, you'll realize how versatile it can be. If you have extra pool noodles and are worried about sore knees, you can even use this hack to make climbing a ladder a treat. While it's perfect for ladder cushioning, the same technique can be adapted for other tasks around the house. For instance, you can use longer noodle pieces to pad areas where your ladder leans against a painted wall or window trim, protecting both surfaces from pressure damage.