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You need an extension ladder long enough to reach the gutters safely. With the ladder against the building, you should be able to have your head and chest above the gutter. This will prevent debris from getting into your eyes when cleaning the gutter.
A garden hose with jet nozzle should have enough force to break up solid debris, such as compacted leaves, to remove them from the gutter. Do not wash the debris down the downspout because the clumps can get stuck and cause a blockage that will be hard to remove. For debris packed too solid to be broken up with the hose, use a garden trowel with a pointed tip to lift the debris out of the bottom of the gutter.
Aim the jet of water into downspouts and check that the water flowing out of the spout is consistent with the amount you're spraying into the top. If you encounter a blockage, a plumbing snake can break up the clog and clear debris from the downspout. A plumbing snake is a stiff, yet flexible, wire used to break up blockages in pipes.
There could be insects in the debris, so wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from bites as well as to avoid touching the messy stuff. Throw the waste on the ground in piles to be picked up when the job is completed. The waste can be added to a compost pile or bagged and put out with the trash. - While cleaning the gutters look for any missing or loose screws or gutter hangers. Use a level to be sure the gutter is sloping toward the downspout. Replace the screws or gutter hangers while the ladder is in position for each section. It saves time to complete those repairs while cleaning the gutters.
