How to clean outside of gutters without a ladder
Cleaning the outside of gutters can be a difficult task, especially if you're trying to avoid using a ladder. Traditional methods often require climbing to reach the upper sections of your home, but there's a safer, more efficient solution: using an extendible water-fed pole system. This method allows you to clean gutters from the ground, eliminating the risk of falling from heights and reducing the physical strain of working on a ladder. Here's how to clean the outside of your gutters safely and effectively with an extendible water-fed pole.
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To clean the outside of your gutters without a ladder, you'll need an extendible water-fed pole. These poles are designed to reach heights of up to 30 feet or more, making them ideal for cleaning gutters on two or three-story homes. The water-fed pole typically has a soft brush attached to the end and a hose running through the pole that allows water to flow directly to the cleaning head.In addition to the water-fed pole, you'll need a water source (such as a garden hose) and a suitable cleaning solution. Many people use a combination of water and eco-friendly soap to clean the outside of gutters, ensuring that they get rid of grime, dirt, and mold without harming the environment.
Step 2: Connect the Water-Fed Pole
Once you have your equipment ready, the next step is to connect the water-fed pole to your water supply. Most water-fed poles come with a hose connector that can be easily attached to your garden hose. Turn on the water and make sure the flow is consistent through the pole and brush.It’s important to ensure that the pole is securely fastened and extends to the appropriate height for your home. For most two-story houses, a 20 to 25-foot pole will suffice, while three-story houses may require a pole that extends to 30 feet or more.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Before you start scrubbing, you may want to apply a cleaning solution to the outside of your gutters. You can do this by either spraying the solution directly onto the gutters or adding it to the water running through the pole. Some water-fed poles come with detergent attachments, making it easy to apply cleaning solutions as you work.The cleaning solution will help break down stubborn grime, mildew, and other debris stuck to the gutters, allowing the water-fed brush to effectively scrub the surface.
Step 4: Scrub the Gutters with the Water-Fed Pole
With the water running and cleaning solution applied, you can begin scrubbing the outside of the gutters using the water-fed pole. Start at one end of the gutter and work your way down the length of the house. The soft-bristled brush attached to the pole will gently remove dirt and debris without scratching the surface of the gutters.Move the pole in smooth, even strokes to cover all areas of the gutter, paying extra attention to any spots where dirt or mold has built up. Since the brush is constantly fed with water, you won’t have to worry about rinsing off the dirt separately. The continuous flow of water will ensure that the grime is washed away as you scrub.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing the entire length of the gutters, make sure to thoroughly rinse them. Use the water-fed pole’s rinse setting (if available) or simply continue using the brush with fresh water to wash away any remaining soap or dirt. Rinsing ensures that no cleaning solution is left behind, preventing streaks or spots once the gutters dry.Step 6: Inspect and Repeat if Necessary
Once you’ve finished cleaning and rinsing, take a step back and inspect your gutters from the ground. If there are any areas that still appear dirty or streaky, go over them again with the water-fed pole until the gutters are fully clean.Depending on how dirty your gutters are, you may need to repeat the process a few times to achieve a completely spotless result. The good news is that using a water-fed pole makes this process much quicker and easier than traditional ladder-based cleaning methods.
