How to Clean Gutters & Soffits

Debris-filled gutters lead to drainage problems.

Clearing the gutters of dirt and debris minimizes the risk of water damage from drainage clogs. The difference in the look of your home after cleaning the gutters and soffits can be dramatic. Removing the buildup of dirt from these areas gives the appearance of having applied a new coat of paint. Safety should be the No. 1 priority when working at the roof level with this small outdoor project.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Ladder
• High-traction shoes
• Broom
• Gloves
• Garden hose or pressure washer
• Bucket
• Mild dish-washing liquid
• Adjustable-handled scrub brush

Instructions

1. Place a ladder securely in the area you are working in. Do not lean the ladder against the gutters. It will cause permanent damage. Either climb high enough on the ladder to be able to see into the gutters, or climb on top of the roof to work from that level.

2. Use a broom or a small scoop to remove any leaves or debris in the gutters. Use gloves if you are using your hands to clear out the gutter. Pointed or sharp objects could lurk amongst the leaves and debris.

3. Spray out the gutters with a garden hose. Scrub the gutters using an adjustable-handled scrub brush and a bucket of mild dish-washing soap and water mixture. Rinse the gutters with the hose and climb down to ground level.

4. Spray off the soffit and outside of the gutters with clear water using a hose or pressure washer. When using a pressure washer, the setting must be at 800 PSI (pounds per square inch) or less. Use a wide-spray nozzle and hold the wand at a 25- or 30-degree angle. Stand a few feet back to minimize pressure of the water to avoid damaging the soffit or gutters. Bob Vila offers a video tutorial on pressure washer use (see Resources).

5. Begin scrubbing the soffit areas from the ground level, using the bucket of soapy water and adjustable-handled brush. Scrub approximately 6 to 8 feet at a time, then rinse. Heavily soiled areas will streak if allowed to dry prior to rinsing.

6. Scrub and rinse repeatedly until clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Renting or purchasing a power washer can reduce cleaning time compared with normal garden-hose use. Keep pressure low and the angle of cleaning wide.

• Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect the hands and eyes. When working on the roof, wear high-traction shoes and be aware of the edge at all times. To be sure the pressure washer won't damage your gutters, use the pressure washer on an inconspicuous area of the gutters before cleaning the entire area.

References

• Cleaning the gutters
• Cleaning the soffit

Resources

• Bob Vila Instructional on power washers