Clean Hard-To-Reach Gutters With This Affordable Hack (Without Calling A Pro)

Owning a home means actively taking care of it, even the less-appealing chores like cleaning out the gutters. And like many of these tasks, not doing them can lead to a host of future issues like water damage to your roof, exterior, interior, foundation, or landscaping. Many people put off this task because it means dealing with hoses and precariously-placed ladders and gunk. It just kinda sucks. But as with any task, it's all about having the right tool for the job; just ask any professional. With this affordable hack, however, you can safely get clean gutters fast: Simply use a paint roller attached to an extension pole.

By using a paint roller to (literally) do the dirty work for you, you can get the job done efficiently and remain safely on the ground the entire time. It brings your risk of accidentally falling from a ladder down to zero. What's more, using the extension pole lets you clean bigger areas of your gutter at a faster pace and it won't physically drain you nearly as much. The design of paint rollers is also super adept at handling corners and getting into the tiny crevices of a gutter where leaves and small debris might get stuck and pile up.

Another benefit that might not be as obvious is the versatility offered by using a paint roller with an extension pole. Depending on how much debris is lurking in your gutters, you can choose the best roller for your projects. A thick roller is better for heavy-duty tasks, while a thinner one is all you'll need for lighter jobs.

Once you have selected a paint roller that suits your needs, make sure you also find a good extension pole. Ensure it is long enough to let the paint roller comfortably reach your gutters from the ground, and that it is sturdy enough to handle pushing heavy, wet leaves around. Wet your roller first, so it can more easily pick up and remove leaves and other debris. We also recommend wearing clothing that you will not mind potentially getting dirty, along with protective eyewear if you are worried about gutter debris falling on you. 

Now the gutter cleaning process can begin. While standing a few feet away from your house, extend the pole so it can reach your gutter. Starting from one end, use a back-and-forth motion to move the roller along inside the gutter, and make your way to the other side. The wet roller should pick up debris or even knock it out of the gutter, and you can then put it into your compost pile or a hefty garbage bag. During this process, you will need to re-wet the paint roller in order to keep it working effectively. Repeat this entire process until all your gutters have been cleaned out, and avoid these gutter cleaning mistakes you've been making the whole time.

This method is useful for most gutters, especially if you have chosen the right type of gutters for your home. However, if yours are especially clogged or are extra hard to reach for whatever reason, they will need more attention up close. This will require you to use a ladder to do so; double check that yours is securely placed on level, solid ground before you climb up and get to work.

You should bring a strong garbage bag (or two) up with you or attach a durable bucket onto your ladder to hold the debris you remove so it is easier to dispose of. We recommend a good pair of gloves here, too, for better gripping the debris. Avoid overreaching from the ladder for the sake of safety. Yes, it is annoying, but don't be afraid to move the ladder frequently as you work so you can securely reach each section of your gutters (and avoid a trip to the hospital).

Once you have finished clearing out all the gunk, grab your hose and flush out your gutters. Feel free to attach your house to the extension pole for this step. As the water flows, take a moment to visually check for any weak or uneven water flow from your downspout, as this could potentially mean there is a blockage inside that also needs to be cleared out. Remember, awareness and patience are the keys to ensuring that your gutters are properly cleaned out.