What you'll need

Ladder

Gutter scoop or gloved hands

Garden hose or bucket of water

Gutter sealant (if repairing joints)

Safety glasses

⚠ Safety first

Never lean a ladder directly against guttering — it will crack or pull away from the fascia. Use a ladder standoff.

Step-by-step guide

Set up the ladder safely
Use a ladder with a stand-off bracket to keep it away from the guttering (resting a ladder against the gutter damages it). Have someone foot the ladder if possible.
Start at the downpipe
Work from the end furthest from the downpipe towards it, scooping out debris as you go. This way you're pushing debris towards the outlet rather than away from it.
Scoop out debris
Remove leaves, moss, and compacted debris by hand (wear thick gloves) or with a gutter scoop. Drop into a bucket rather than onto the ground.
Flush with water
Run a hose from the far end towards the downpipe. Check the water flows freely. If it backs up, the downpipe is blocked.
Clear blocked downpipes
Insert a hose into the top of the downpipe and blast water down. For stubborn blockages, use a drain rod or flexible drain unblocker from the bottom up.
Check for leaks and damage
While you're up there, check all gutter joints and unions. Leaking joints can be resealed with gutter sealant. Check fascias underneath for rot.
Fit a leaf guard (optional)
Plastic mesh leaf guards fit over the guttering and dramatically reduce cleaning frequency. Worth fitting if you have trees nearby.

💡 Pro tip

Photograph your gutters with your phone while up there. You'll thank yourself when planning repairs later.

Expert tips for the best result

Clean gutters after autumn — waiting until spring means a winter of water damage
A garden trowel works better than a purpose-made gutter scoop for compacted debris
Standing water in gutters after rain means a partial blockage or a sag in the run — the gutter needs rehangning
Moss on the roof feeds into the gutters — treat the roof with moss killer to slow buildup
Plastic gutters outlast cast iron but crack if ladders are leaned against them

Useful tools and products

Shop on Amazon → Screwfix → Toolstation →

When to call a professional roofer

If gutters are sagging away from the fascia, if fascia boards are rotten, if you have cast iron gutters with cracks or holes, or if roof height makes safe ladder access impossible.

We connect you with vetted local roofers across the UK — fast response, free quotes, guaranteed work.

💬 Get a free quote via WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is how to clean gutters for a beginner?

This guide is rated Easy. Blocked gutters cause water to overflow and seep into walls, foundations, and fascias. They should be cleared at least once a year — ideally in late autumn after leaves have fallen. It's one of the mo If you're not confident, a professional roofer can do this quickly and provide a guarantee on the work.

How long does how to clean gutters take?

Allow 1-2 hours. This assumes the tools and materials are ready before you start. First-timers should budget extra time for preparation and any unexpected issues.

How much does a roofer charge for this in the UK?

Most roofers charge £40-80 per hour depending on location and complexity. For a straightforward job like this, expect 1-2 hours of labour plus materials. Get a fixed quote via WhatsApp — message us with your postcode and job details.

How do I find a reliable roofer near me?

WhatsApp us with your postcode and job description. We match you with a vetted local roofer from our network — most jobs get a response within the hour. Contact us here.

How to clean gutters