Cleaning Gutters With Pressure Washer - How To Do It Easily (2024)

The pressure washers have become very popular in cleaning gutters. The power of the pressure washers is so high that you will be able to clean the gutters with less time and effort. The pressure washers are also eco-friendly which is a great advantage when cleaning gutters at home.

Cleaning gutters with a pressure washer is easy, fun and the best way to clean them. If you are tired of getting wet cleaning your gutters with a ladder and bucket, a pressure washer is the best way to do it. The high pressure will loosen all of the dirt, debris and whatever else is stuck in your gutters.

Using a pressure washer with a gutter wand to blast away all the accumulated debris in your gutters is safer and easier than climbing on a ladder. A gutter wand attaches to any pressure washer and hooks over the edge of your gutter, making it easy for you to spray the inside of your gutters from the ground.

Here are the accessories you need to power wash your soffits and gutters and the tips you need for safe pressure washing.

Cleaning Gutters With Pressure Washer – Step By Step Guide

Cleaning Gutters With Pressure Washer - How To Do It Easily (1)

Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes beautiful colors and falling leaves. But one thing you won’t enjoy about fall, are the falling leaves that get stuck in your gutters. Luckily there’s a solution! Power washers blast away all that dirt and leave your gutters clean as a whistle. This short guide will show you how easy it is to clean out those gutters with a power washer.

Step 1: Clean the Surroundings

Pressure washing your gutters is easy, but you’ll want to do a few things first. Make sure you clear all outdoor items — chairs, tables and anything else people may be sitting or standing near during the wash — away from your home. You don’t want water careening onto them or worse, hitting them and breaking them.

Next, make sure you move any potted plants around as well. You also don’t want water flooding these and drowning them. Also, cover your plants or move them away from the area being pressure washed.

As you clean your gutters, take a moment to see just how much space you have to get around. You want to make sure that you can move freely — and yet still have room to keep your balance. Pay attention to anything beneath you — bushes, flower beds, window sills — that might leave you hobbled or cause you a fall if you aren’t careful.

Create a pathway that you can follow so you have clear sightlines and don’t trip over any kids’ toys or other clutter.

When pressure washing your gutters, debris will fall to the ground. This can damage your home or other property, like a parked car. To prevent this, make sure to address the surrounding areas while you are pressure washing. If you clean up the debris that falls from the gutters after the job is done, you can reduce the chances of damaging any property.

Step 2: Safety First

It’s imperative to wear the appropriate safety gear while operating a pressure washer, so make sure that you put on safety goggles or glasses.If water builds up in the wand, it may shoot out unexpectedly when you release the trigger, just like a gun.It may also irritate your hands or skin if it touches any part of your body.

Put on a few layers of clothing . It’ll be colder than you expect out there, and if you’re working at night, it will be darker as well.

Please practice safety precautions. When pressure washing, be sure to wear safety goggles and other protective gear. Debris may fall from the roof, and water may spray from above and get into your eyes.

Step 3: Use A Telescoping Wand

When the gutters need to be cleaned at your home, rather than climbing the ladder, consider attaching an extension or telescoping wand to your pressure washer hose. With this tool, you can reach up high and clean out your gutters without having to worry about a slipping ladder or falling off the roof.

See also Can You Soft Wash With Pressure Washer? [ANSWERED]

It’s not a great idea to use a pressure washer while on a ladder. The force from the pressure generated from the pressure washer can send you off balance and make you fall off the ladder. This is especially true if you are on an extension ladder, which can be more wobbly than an upright one.

A telescoping wand for a pressure washer hose is an essential tool that can make all the difference between a good job and a great job. By adjusting the length of the wand, you can extend it to the height you need to reach branches or other high areas around your home.

Step 4: Use A Gutter Cleaning Wand Attachment

For this first step, you will need to put the telescopic gutter cleaning wand attachment on the end of your telescopic wand. You can use a U-shaped or V-shaped attachment for this, which is like a hook for reaching the inside of your gutter. The bent end of the attachment allows you to clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris that can build up inside your gutters.

In addition to the main nozzle, there are also washing attachments with two horizontal nozzles which allow for water to be sprayed in all directions. These attachments are more efficient at cleaning gutters and other surfaces as they clean both gutter sides at the same time. The main nozzle is a great tool to have if you have straight gutters as it can reach further than the attachments and clean all the way down.

Step 5: Rinse With Water

If you want your gutters to stay in top shape, you’ll want to clean them regularly. But before you start washing the mess away, make sure you pour some fresh water down them first. This will prevent any clogging or damage and get everything ready for the cleaning solution.

You can use a pressure washer to clean your gutters. While you are cleaning, start with the downspouts since they are the most important part of your gutter system because they channel water away from your home. The force from a pressure washer will be able to release any clogs or debris stuck in the downspout so that it doesn’t enter into your home.

Don’t use a high-pressure spray for your initial soffit cleaning. That can damage the roof, and it can send debris into the wall or window frames — a real hazard for any glass-enclosed structure. Instead, use a low-pressure nozzle to rinse off the soffit without harmfully impacting the shingles or gutters themselves.

What kind of pressure washer do I need? The choice of pressure washers is really not as important as the choice of tips for this machine. It is incredibly versatile and can be used with just about any kind of pressure washer (gas or electric) from 1400 PSI up to 3000 PSI. Electric pressure washers are cost effective, but will require more time to clean.

What kind of pressure washer should I use? Electric or gas?

When it comes to pressure washers, it’s all about the PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch. The higher the PSI, the more dirt and grime your pressure washer can blast away. But if you have a large area that needs cleaning or need to tackle heavy dirt and debris, 2,800 or 3,000 PSI is recommended.

Step 6: Apply Detergent

Use adetergent solution to clean your gutters weekly! Make sure you dilute your detergent according to the instructions on the box. Fill your detergent tank with a recommended amount of water and a recommended amount ofdetergent solution, then switch it to “On.” Attach the spray tip, coat the soffits and gutters with diluteddetergent solution, and let the machine do the rest for you.

Washing the gutters with detergent is a quick and easy way to remove dirt, dust and other debris. Scrubbing away with a detergent-based soap will help ensure that you are able to easily rinse away any remaining residue in the next step — perfect for easy spring cleaning.

See also Why Ryobi Pressure Washer Won't Start [Quick FIX]

Step 7: Spray Dirt & Detergent Away

You want to use a high-pressure spray pattern to remove your detergent from the machine. Loosen the detergent tank by turning off the water supply and loosening it with a screwdriver. Then, aim the nozzle at a walkway and squeeze the trigger to flush out any remaining detergent. Once you’re finished, tighten your valve and turn the water on.

You’ve already completed your gutter cleaning, so now it’s time for the fine-tuning. Take out your power washer and spray off all of the detergent, grime, and stains that remain. After inspecti ng each section of your gutters, you might notice some stubborn spots. Take a little more time to work those areas until you see a clean result!

Once you’re done, rinse the area with water from a low-pressure nozzle, so you don’t accidentally spray the plants while they’re drying. Attend to them within 4-5 hours of applying fertilizer and water as needed.

Step 8: Clean The Debris

Spray and sweep the debris out of your gutter system.

Use a water broom attachment for your pressure washer to do the job more effectively.

The water broom has three or more nozzles that spread the spray over a wider surface area. It can wash away the grime from your wooden fence, concrete flooring and asphalt drive way while still being gentle on plants and shrubs.

When To Pressure Wash Your Gutters?

Pressure washing is a great task to get done in autumn, when the leaves have started to cover your gutters, preventing water drainage. Clearing out leaves at this time of the year is a great way to prevent flooding in your home during winter. You’ll want to get the washing done before they freeze over, so that they don’t add extra weight and cause heavy damage to your gutters.

Clean your gutters once a year in late autumn, before the cold weather sets in. And clean the leaves out of your gutters before they get frozen.

A few times a year, homeowners check the guttering on their house. Some people choose to clean them every 3 or 4 months, as this really depends on what type of house you live in. If you live in an area with lots of trees and pine needles, it’s important to clean gutters more often to avoid clogs.

Type Of Attachments For Pressure Washing Gutters?

Extension wands for pressure washers are also known as sprayer wands because they help you to completely target the surface or nest of water when cleaning with a pressure washer. This is especially important if you’re trying to wash the side of your home or your car.

There’s a recoil that comes from a pressure washer when it’s turned on, and this can throw off your balance if you’re on a ladder and not careful.

Most pressure washers have an optional extension wand, which allows you to reach up to 2 feet above what you can already clean with your pressure washer. When using a pressure washer, it’s best to stay on two feet on sturdy ground.

A telescoping wand for pressure washers makes it easy to reach a variety of surfaces without moving the actual washer unit. While all pressure washer extensions are adjustable, some are longer than others. The length of the extension is important when using a pressure washer on a second story or other tall location.

Adjustable wands can extend from 12 feet all the way up to 24 feet, which means they can reach pretty much any part of your home. Plus, they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

There are also wand attachments available for pressure washers. There are two types of wand attachments — a gutter wand attachment and a telescoping wand attachment. To attach the gutter wand attachment to your pressure washer, you must attach the connecting hose and then clip the attachment onto your wand. Do this by first removing the cap at the end of your pressure washer’s telescoping wand.

See also Why Ryobi Pressure Washer Won't Start [Quick FIX]

Single-nozzle and double-nozzle attachments are available. Some models feature a single, wide nozzle to spread out the cleaning solution easily. Others use two separate nozzles to target both sides of your gutter at once. The double-nozzle models might help you work more efficiently, especially if you have a large gutter.

If you want to clean your gutter system, you’ll need to consider a pressure washer broom. This device uses pressurized water to blast away heavy debris that fell into the corners of your gutters — whether it’s built-up dirt or leaves. You can also use it to blast away stubborn stains on your cement walkway or patio that covers select areas of the gutters.

How Much PSI Do I Need To Pressure Wash Gutters?

A pressure washer with a PSI of 1500 that’s designed for home use is the best option for most homeowners. It’s suitable for cleaning decks, patios, driveways, and other common surfaces around the home, as well as for DIY projects such as removing paint from walls or remodeling small areas.

Do your gutters really need to be blasted with 3000 PSI?

Anyone who’s ever used a pressure washer can tell you that the lower the PSI setting, the better. This is because there are less chances of damage happening to your guttering with lower PSI. With higher pressure it makes the possibility of damaging and warping extremely likely.

Homeowners who depend on pressure washers to clean their houses, driveways, and other surfaces sometimes have a hard time finding pressure washers that are good for delicate surfaces. If you’re worried about damaging your property, pressure washers with adjustable spray speeds can help you deal with different kinds of surfaces.

Fortunately, there are now several pressure washers on the market that are safe for use on almost any surface!

How To Clean Gutters With A Pressure Washer

If your gutters need cleaning, don’t reach for the ladder. Instead, try a pressure washer with a gutter wand that’ll blast away all the accumulated debris in your gutters in no time.

The best way to clean your gutters is with a pressure washer. The process is simple: hook up the hose to the port on your washer, prop open your gutter, and turn on the water.

When you’re ready to start cleaning, set the pressure gauge between 1500 and 2000 psi. Spray in a back-and-forth motion along the length of your gutter to remove old leaves, dirt, and other debris.

Conclusion

Some parts of your home’s exterior, like your gutters, simply don’t allow for a quick rinse with the garden hose. Your best bet is to use a pressure washer to blast away years worth of debris and grime.

Pressure washers are powerful machines and with such power, they can be used to clean a variety of jobs around your home. Although this is not yet a common practice, more homeowners are starting to hire professional pressure washing companies to do their cleaning.

A pressure washer is the absolutely necessary tool that will save you both time and energy when it comes to cleaning your home’s gutters. Cleaning them by hand can take days, even weeks — and is not only inefficient but also dangerous. For example, if you were to try to clean a very large house with a ladder alone, you’d risk falling and injuring yourself.

When it comes to effective gutter cleaning, the best tool is a pressure washer. You can blast away dirt, grime, and buildup with ease when you pair the right pressure washer nozzle with your desired cleaning solution.

Cleaning Gutters With Pressure Washer - How To Do It Easily (2)

Sam Hendricks

Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.

Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.

Greetings, I'm Sam Hendricks, a repair technician and enthusiast with extensive expertise in various home maintenance tasks, including the efficient use of pressure washers for gutter cleaning. I've dedicated my career to helping individuals save both time and money by providing insights into DIY appliance repair and maintenance.

Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about cleaning gutters with pressure washers:

  1. Pressure Washer Basics:

    • The article emphasizes the effectiveness of pressure washers in cleaning gutters quickly and effortlessly.
    • Highlights the high power of pressure washers that aids in dislodging dirt and debris from gutters.
    • Emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of pressure washers, a valuable aspect for home gutter cleaning.
  2. Gutter Cleaning Tools and Accessories:

    • Discusses the use of a gutter wand attached to a pressure washer, allowing for ground-level cleaning without the need for ladders.
    • Recommends a telescoping wand for reaching high areas without compromising safety.
    • Introduces gutter cleaning wand attachments with U-shaped or V-shaped designs for effective removal of debris.
  3. Safety Measures:

    • Stresses the importance of safety gear, including safety goggles, due to potential water spray and debris.
    • Advises against using high-pressure sprays initially to prevent damage to roofs, windows, or glass-enclosed structures.
    • Recommends wearing layered clothing for protection against unexpected water exposure.
  4. Preparation and Surroundings:

    • Provides a step-by-step guide, starting with clearing the surroundings and creating a safe workspace.
    • Emphasizes the need to address surrounding areas to prevent property damage from falling debris.
    • Recommends a pathway for movement and clear sightlines during the gutter cleaning process.
  5. Types of Pressure Washers and PSI Considerations:

    • Explains that the choice of pressure washers is less critical than selecting the appropriate tips.
    • Highlights the importance of PSI (pounds per square inch), with a range of 1400 to 3000 PSI recommended for effective gutter cleaning.
    • Discusses the suitability of electric pressure washers for cost-effectiveness.
  6. Detergent Application:

    • Recommends the use of a detergent solution for regular gutter cleaning.
    • Advises diluting detergent according to instructions, applying it with a spray tip, and allowing the machine to do the work.
  7. Cleaning Process:

    • Provides a step-by-step guide on how to clean gutters, including rinsing with water, applying detergent, and using a high-pressure spray pattern.
    • Encourages the use of a pressure washer broom attachment for effective debris removal.
    • Stresses the importance of timing in attending to plants after applying fertilizer and cleaning to avoid damage.
  8. Maintenance Timing:

    • Recommends pressure washing gutters in autumn to prevent clogs caused by falling leaves.
    • Advises cleaning gutters once a year in late autumn before the onset of cold weather.
  9. Types of Attachments:

    • Introduces extension wands, telescoping wands, and various nozzle attachments for pressure washers.
    • Highlights the importance of adjustable wands for reaching different surfaces and heights.
    • Discusses single-nozzle and double-nozzle attachments for efficient gutter cleaning.
  10. Conclusion:

    • Emphasizes the power and efficiency of pressure washers for cleaning gutters, saving time and energy.
    • Recommends the use of pressure washers as an essential tool for gutter maintenance.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to gutter cleaning with pressure washers, incorporating safety measures, equipment recommendations, and practical tips for effective maintenance.

Cleaning Gutters With Pressure Washer - How To Do It Easily (2024)

FAQs

Cleaning Gutters With Pressure Washer - How To Do It Easily? ›

You should avoid using a pressure washer from a ladder if at all possible. Instead, use a pressure washer gutter cleaner. These curved attachments allow you to hold your wand up and spray directly into the gutters while keeping your feet planted securely on the ground. Start near a downspout and spray away from it.

How do you clean the outside of gutters with a pressure washer? ›

You should avoid using a pressure washer from a ladder if at all possible. Instead, use a pressure washer gutter cleaner. These curved attachments allow you to hold your wand up and spray directly into the gutters while keeping your feet planted securely on the ground. Start near a downspout and spray away from it.

Can a pressure washer be used to clean gutters? ›

It's hard to reach your gutters and soffits with just a ladder and hose, which is why pressure washers are used by professionals to get your gutters cleaned or by using a professional gutter cleaning service is recommended.

How do you unclog gutters with a pressure washer? ›

Stick it inside your gutters at an angle and go wild. The high-pressure spray will blast away the leaves in seconds. Plus, the wastewater will help clear the downspouts. Here's the only downside: you're going to get dirty and wet.

How much psi do I need to clean gutters? ›

Pressure Washer

It's best to use one that has a pressure rating of between 1,500 and 1,800 psi, as this will give you enough power to clean out your gutters and remove clogs, but not so much that you'll weaken or break your gutters.

What is the best product to clean the outside of gutters? ›

Cream of Tartar and Water

To make the solution, mix the cream of tartar with water in a bowl to make a paste. Use a brush to apply this paste on the outside of your gutters. After a few minutes, you can use a hose to wash off the paste and leave your gutter to dry.

What is the best cleaning solution to use in a pressure washer? ›

The best soap to use in a pressure washer depends on the surface you're cleaning. It's best to choose a soap that works well for all surfaces, such as Krud Kutter Pressure Washer Concentrate and Sun Joe All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner.

When should you not use a pressure washer? ›

Things You Should Never Pressure Wash
  • Electrical Meters and Panels. The high-pressure stream of water from a pressure washer can damage electrical meters and panels. ...
  • Asphalt Shingles. Do you have asphalt shingles as your roofing material? ...
  • Painted Surfaces. ...
  • Brick Surfaces. ...
  • Windows. ...
  • Plants, Flowers & Trees. ...
  • Vehicles. ...
  • Gutters.
Nov 1, 2022

What cleaning solution to use with pressure washer? ›

You can use almost any type of liquid soap or detergent with a pressure washer, although there are pressure washer-specific detergents for jobs of all types. Your pressure washer will have a siphon hose or basin of some type, which you fill with the desired soap.

Why are my gutters not clogged but overflowing? ›

If you have recently cleared your gutters of leaves, twigs and other debris but they are still overflowing, you might want to check your downspouts. It's possible for the downspouts to clog up as well. So if you failed to clean these components, your downspouts could be the culprit behind the overflow.

Can a pressure washer clear a blocked drain? ›

You can use a pressure washer with a sewer jetter attachment to unclog your drain. The pressure washer doesn't pressurize your pipe but uses high-pressure water to move through your pipes and break apart buildup. The sewer jet is a long piece of flexible hose with a jet nozzle on one end.

How long does it take to unclog gutters? ›

If you are living in two-story homes or a three-story home, the project could take between 2-4 hours. If it's a single-story home, you may be able to do it yourself in under 1 hour. If you have multiple stories, you will likely struggle to eliminate all debris when you try doing it yourself.

Can you use a leaf blower to clean gutters? ›

Leaf Blower Method

This allows the user to place the end into the gutter and blow the debris out of the gutter and onto the yard. This method is preferred for gutters with heavy debris such as twigs, packed leaves, and dirt, though you'll be left with quite a mess on the ground once the gutters are cleared.

How much standing water is OK in a gutter? ›

However, the amount of water should be very small, ¼-inch or less. Anything more can lead to potential issues, such as algae growth, which can cause a clog and mosquito-nesting. If you notice an excessive amount of standing water in your new gutters, then it's time to check the warranty and give your contractor a call.

How many times should you clean your gutters? ›

Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line. Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall. If you have pine trees near your home, needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts.

How do you pressure wash vinyl siding and gutters? ›

The secret is to start on a low-pressure setting and slightly adjust the pressure as needed. From there, always use appropriate soap or detergent, and avoid using corrosive cleaning solutions that contain undiluted bleach or untraditional cleaners like furniture-polishes or degreasers-they'll all damage your siding!

Can you clean gutters with a garden hose? ›

Specialty gutter cleaning attachments for your garden hose can make the job easier. For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts, use a pressure washer.

Can I pressure wash the outside of my house? ›

Cleaning the outside of your home is quite simple with the right tools. Pressure washers make cleaning your siding, walkways, driveway, and even vehicles easy and rewarding.

Can you clean gutters with a hose? ›

Turn on Water: Turn on the hose and begin spraying the inside of the gutter. The water pressure should dislodge leaves, twigs, and other debris. Progress Along the Gutter: Slowly move along the gutter, repositioning yourself as needed. Use the water stream to push the debris towards the downspout.

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