Professional gutter cleaning companies recommend to select a pressure washer with an adequate PSI (pounds per square inch) for the job, typically in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 PSI. Additionally, they recommend to use a nozzle with a wide spray pattern to avoid damaging the gutters.
Cleaning your gutters with a power washer is similar to cleaning them with a blower, but much more effective. A leaf blower, even with a narrow tip, can't pack nearly as much punch as a power washer.
For washing your house siding and cleaning the deck, aim for a pressure washer with around 2000 to 2500 PSI. It strikes a good balance for effective cleaning without risking damage to the surfaces.
A combination of liquid dish soap and baking soda is an effective way to clean the outside of your gutters without harsh chemicals.
While it would be easy to stick a pressure washer in there to flush out any debris and call it a day, that's not the best way to move forward, and you can cause more damage by attempting to clean your gutters this way.
Power washing is possible in the rain. Don't just jump into it, however. Safety precautions need to be taken, the equipment you use needs to be maintained in a certain manner and approved for use in the rain, and you need to know how to keep yourself safe throughout the process.
Combine white vinegar with warm water. Close off your gutters by plugging the downspouts, and pour the vinegar solution into your gutters and let it sit for an hour or longer. After draining the vinegar solution out, rinse the gutters out thoroughly, then use a scrub brush to scrub out any remaining dirt.
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi).
Know your power
A pressure washer can quickly ruin vinyl siding by cracking it with a high-pressure stream of water, so it's necessary to know which pressure level and nozzle to use. Starting low and gently working your way up is the safest bet. Never start off on the highest pressure setting.
What are the best tools to clean out gutters without a ladder? The best tools are gutter cleaning wands, extended poles that attach to gutter scoops or brushes, high pressure sprayer wands, and wet/dry vac attachments made specifically for gutter cleaning from the ground.
Cons of Pressure Washing
The high-pressure water used in pressure washing can be powerful enough to cause damage to certain surfaces. Delicate materials, such as older or fragile wood, may be susceptible to damage if not handled properly.
A gutter scoop is a great tool to help you remove the large debris from your gutters. It's easy to use and allows you to remain safely on the ladder. A scoop keeps you from accidentally gouging or puncturing the gutter as you're working on it.
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.
Handypeople are equipped to do all sorts of tasks, including but not limited to gutter cleanings. You may pay less by hiring a handyperson instead of a gutter pro. When executed by a gutter company, cleanings cost between $120 and $230 on average, but a handyperson may charge as little as $75 for the same job.
While pressure washers can be effective in removing debris from gutters, it's crucial to exercise caution and follow safety precautions. Never use a pressure washer from the top of a ladder, as the force of the water can lead to instability and accidents.
Leaf blowers are the perfect gutter-cleaning tool. In just minutes, you can clear your gutters with a gutter cleaning attachment from the ground or by (safely) climbing onto your roof. No more spending an hour to clean out gutter gunk by hand!
The key is to begin cleaning with a gentle rinse using clean water to dislodge and wash away loose debris and dirt. When using a pressure washer for fascias and soffits, it's wise to use a low-pressure nozzle.
Power washing in the rain can be dangerous in the wrong conditions, especially when thunder, lightning and heavy winds are present. Since power washing equipment tends to be electrically powered, operating these tools in heavy rain, lightning or other extreme conditions is considered unprofessional.
If it's possible, storing your pressure washer in a heated garage or warehouse is ideal. However, even keeping it in an unheated shed or garage is much better than storing it outside. Remember, a pressure washer is an investment.