Cleaning Aluminum Rain Gutters

Even for vinyl gutters liquid detergent alone cannot be used to clean the gutters properly.

Cleaning aluminum rain gutters.

Gutter scoops are available at the hardware store or a child s sandbox shovel also works just fine. A simple solution of water and white vinegar works very well for cleaning the outside of the gutters and won t corrode aluminum. Pull the hose to the furthest end of the gutters with enough slack so that you can lift the bottle over your head comfortably. For aluminum try gutter zap which removes electrostatic bonded streaks with little scrubbing.

Allowing a few dry days before cleaning your gutters will allow the debris to dry out making the chore much easier. This job does however involve working on a ladder. When possible avoid cleaning gutters after a rain. Flush the gutters with a garden hose.

Simple green makes a concentrated environmentally safe cleaner with good stain removing properties. Carry the nozzle of the hose with you up the ladder to the gutters. If you have an old plastic kitchen spatula that works too and it won t damage the gutters. This could be done through manual processes ie.

You can also make a paste with a small amount of water and cream of tartar which will act as a cleaner and gentle buffing agent in one. Use this solvent to scrub off the outer surface of your gutters with a stiff brush or a piece of cloth. Use some elbow grease or a power washer. Use a sprayer attachment if you have one to increase the water pressure.

Spray the gutters toward each of the downspouts to rinse remaining debris out of the gutters. Then turn the water to the hose on but not at full power. You ll run out of cleaning solution really quickly if the water is on full blast. It attacks the oxidation and not the paint or material.

Fortunately cleaning gutters and downspouts is a pretty easy job and a couple of cleanings each year should keep them flowing freely. Adjust the red tip depending on the height of the gutters. Make sure you have a sturdy extension ladder that is long enough to reach the edge of your roof and always follow safe practices when using a ladder. Start your gutter cleaning task near the downspout and work toward the closed end.

F 13 gutter grenade is a multipurpose gutter cleaner that s safe for all types of gutters. Cleaning your gutters means thoroughly removing any debris that may be on them such as leaves rocks and birds nests to name a few.