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How to clean gutters

A freshly cleaned roof gutter along the edge of a house with grey tiled roofing

Overview

Keeping your gutters clean is an essential part of home maintenance. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, leaks, and even pest infestations. Regular gutter cleaning helps water flow freely, protecting your roof, walls, and foundation.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1 Set up your ladder safely

Start by placing your ladder on a stable surface and ensuring it is the right height for you to reach the roof gutters without stretching or overbalancing. Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder, such as two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand, to keep yourself steady. To increase stability, you can use a ladder safety clamp to secure it in place. Take your time setting up the ladder properly to avoid accidents before you begin cleaning.

A Bunnings Team Member is placing up a ladder against the roof of a house to access the roof gutter

2Remove leaves and debris

Once you are safely positioned, use a gutter scoop or small garden trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters. Work your way along, placing the debris into a bucket or garden bag to keep your work area clean. Wearing gloves is a good idea to protect your hands from dirt, sharp edges, and insects that may be hiding in the gutters. As you clean the gutters, check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or loose sections, and make a note of any gutter repairs that may be needed later.
A Bunnings Team Member is standing on a ladder and removing leaves and debris from the roof gutter using a gutter scoop.

3Flush the gutters with water

After removing most of the debris, use a garden hose with a spray attachment to rinse out any remaining dirt. Start at the end furthest from the downpipe and work your way towards it, ensuring water flows freely.

Regular gutter maintenance is key to preventing costly damage to your home. Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, particularly in autumn and spring, will help keep them in good condition.

A person in a red shirt is standing on a ladder, using a garden hose to flush out a roof gutter after cleaning.

4Now that you’ve cleaned your gutters…

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.