From scoops to blowers, these handy tools help keep protect your home from water damage.
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It might not seem like it makes much of a difference, and it’s certainly not the most enjoyable task, but cleaning your gutters is more important than you might think. When your gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater can overflow and cause expensive moisture damage to the interior and exterior walls. Luckily, we have recommendations for various tools and attachments exist to clean your gutter quickly, safely, and effectively.
The cleaners below are the best around for unclogging those gutters. And remember, if you decide to use a ladder, observe all climbing safety protocols and never reach or lean.
For more ways to protect against water damage inside and out, check out our picks for the best gutter guards.
Best Gutter Cleaners
- Best Overall: The Gutter Tool Gutter Cleaning Spoon and Scoop
- Best Budget: Amerimax Home Products 8300 Getter Gutter Scoop
- Best Pressure Washer Kit: M MINGLE Telescoping Pressure Washer Wand
- Best Leaf Blower Attachment: BLACK+DECKER BZOBL50 Gutter Clean Quick Connect
- Best for Garden Hoses: Orbit 58543 Telescoping Gutter Cleaning Wand
What to Consider
Do You Need an Extension or a Ladder?
Consider whether you want a tool that allows you to stay on the ground or one that requires you to climb a ladder to access the gutter. If you’re willing to haul out and use a ladder safely, you can take advantage of affordable handheld tools like shovels, scoops, and hooks.
If you want to stay securely on the ground, choose an option that connects to a leaf blower, pressure washer, garden hose, or wet/dry vacuum to blast the debris out with air or water. These options are safer because you don’t have to get up on a ladder, but they do require additional machinery and a telescoping or retractable extension pole. They can also create a big mess as you blow away debris, so prepare for sidewalk cleanup afterwards.
Labor
If your priority is cleaning your gutters as quickly as possible—and there’s nothing wrong with that—go with an attachment for your blower or pressure washer.
If you’ve got more time on your hands and don’t mind moving a ladder every few feet as you work, a handheld shovel or hook might be a better choice. These also allow you to see inside the gutter while you clean, so you know when you’re finished.
How We Selected
When putting together this list of options, we called upon our experiences cleaning gutters with both handheld tools and pressure washer attachments. We also performed extensive online research, taking note of popular and highly regarded models, consulted guides from sites like Bob Vila and Buzzfeed, and used customer reviews to help compare and contrast. Since homeowners have specific preferences regarding gutter cleaner type and cost, we did our best to include a wide range of options.
Pros
Durable construction- Basic, no-frills design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pole not included
This pole-mounted “spoon” digs and dislodges packed-in debris, while the hook end allows you to pull and drag large clumps of leaves. You won’t need to get up and move your ladder every few feet because it’s meant to be used with a telescoping pole.
It weighs under a pound, making it more comfortable and requiring less energy to maneuver while you work. Remember that you’ll need to supply your own extension pole, so if you don’t already have one, add that to your cost. We recommend something like this extension pole from Extend-A-Reach.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Style | Pole-mounted |
| Dimensions | 2.75 x 8.75 x 16 in. |
Pros
- Durable construction
- Fits under gutter supports
- Red so you don’t lose it
Cons
- Ladder required
The extra-long tongue of this shovel allows you to reach underneath gutter supports. At under $5, it’s less expensive than any other option on our list. Its PVC construction makes this a durable tool as well, while still remaining flexible enough to flex and bend to fit the gutter shape. The red color is easy to find in a cluttered garage or tool shed.
You won’t be able to stay safely on the ground while using this like you would with telescoping or pole-mounted tools, but if you’re comfortable on a ladder, this low-cost option could be a great choice.
Key Specs
| Weight | 2.88 oz. |
|---|---|
| Style | Shovel |
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 3.13 x 4 in. |
Pros
- Includes a variety of nozzles
- Reaches up to 20 feet
- Speeds up cleaning process
Cons
- Some say it's hard to handle
This telescoping wand kit provides everything you need—apart from the pressure washer itself—to easily reach your gutters, as well as other hard-to-access areas of your home’s roof and soffits. It also includes five angle nozzles, allowing you to choose the best fit your situation.
The included support harness saves your arms and shoulders from bearing the total weight of the wand. It’s not the cheapest choice, but it could be worth the investment if you have a lot of exterior cleaning planned.
Some users say the washer wand is pretty heavy and difficult to maneuver, so be careful while operating it from a vantage point.
Key Specs
| Weight | 13.97 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Style | Pressure washer attachment |
| Dimensions | 57.5 x 8.5 x 2.75 in. (package dimensions) |
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4
Best for Garden Hoses
Orbit 58543 Telescoping Gutter Cleaning Wand
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Wand has built-in nozzle
- Telescoping design extends its pole well
- Lengthy warranty
- Great way to avoid using a ladder
Cons
- Not great for very clogged gutters
If you’ve got a garden hose, this telescoping gutter wand simplifies the debris-cleaning process. It attaches to a hose and blows water out of its nozzle, which you can angle toward your gutters. It expands from 40 to 70 inches, meaning you won’t have to use a ladder to reach your gutter. (Of course, that also means you won’t be able to see it while you work, either.)
The wand has a built-in nozzle, saving you from purchasing a pole and head separately. It also has a lengthy six-year warranty for longevity’s sake. Several user reviews say it’s an excellent product for avoiding ladders, though some note that it’s not great for extremely clogged gutters.
Key Specs
| Weight | 1.3 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Style | Telescoping hose attachment |
| Dimensions | 5 x 40 in. |
5
Best Leaf Blower Attachment
BLACK+DECKER BZOBL50 Gutter Clean Quick Connect
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Compatible with most blowers
- No ladder needed
Cons
- May be too bulky for smaller users to control
- Messy in use
Consider this extra-long attachment hose to clean your gutters if you already have a leaf blower. Its four tubes connect to allow for 12 feet of reach (for a user who’s 5 feet, 11 inches tall), and they’re topped with a hooked tip for aiming directly into the gutter and blasting out loose debris and water.
Its flexibility also makes it comfortable to aim and control while you hold the leaf blower. Although we’ve found blower attachments like these practical, they tend to shower the user with some of the gutter’s contents, so keep that in mind.
Key Specs
| Weight | 1.9 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Style | Blower attachment |
| Dimensions | 3 x 36 in. |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- Does not include threaded pole
Regarding curb appeal, the outside of your gutters is just as important as the inside. This mop tool allows you to keep the exterior of your gutters clean and shiny, and can also be used on your siding and exterior trim.
The thick, caterpillar-like sponge conforms to your gutters’ shapes, curves, and edges, quickly eliminating unsightly algae and oxidation. The threaded connection lets you keep both feet safely on the ground while you scrub, and a quick rinse from your hose is all you need to finish the job.
Key Specs
| Weight | 3.98 oz. |
|---|---|
| Style | Pole-mounted |
| Dimensions | 2 x 8 x 8 in. |
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Pros
- Easy to attach
- Powerful water output
Cons
- May be tough for shorter users
This double-sided attachment lets your pressure washer do all the work, using its nozzle to blast away gutter debris with water at a rate of 3300 PSI. Its 7.5-foot quick-connect extender is simple to assemble and allows you to remain safely on the ground while you use it.
At 10.6 ounces, it should be relatively easy to hold above your head as you go. If you prefer more control, use the attachment without the extender and get on a ladder to access the gutters. One user says it swivels while in use, so it may be challenging for shorter users.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz. |
|---|---|
| Style | Pressure washer attachment |
| Dimensions | 8 x 3 x 1 in. |
Pros
- Easy to assemble on compatible wet/dry vacuums
- Simple to use
- In most cases, long enough to use without a ladder
Cons
- Some users wish it had extra extenders
This four-piece kit gives you all the attachments you need to use your wet/dry vacuum to clear those gutters, so long as it has a 2.5-inch outlet. It comes with two 18-inch extension wands and two nozzles—one hook and one blower. Both nozzles connect to customize to your cleaning preferences and provide more length to reach without a ladder.
Several users say this Craftsman kit completed the job on the first attempt and say it’s effortless to assemble and use. The extension makes it a safe alternative to ladders, though some users wish they had additional extenders to reach higher places around the home.
Key Specs
| Weight | 2.42 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Style | Wet/dry vacuum attachment |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 9 x 23.5 in. |
Pros
- Very powerful
- Works well on layered grime and dirt
Cons
- May require a ladder or extension pole
After you’ve cleared your gutters out, you want them to look spiffy. This spray cleaner can help with that. Meant for the exterior of your gutters, this non-toxic liquid cleaner sprays on and wipes away. For hard-to-reach gutters, some users say they’ve had success soaking a cloth with the cleaner and wiping it using an extension pole.
Several users say this cleaner works amazingly, with one claiming it wiped away 20 years’ worth of grime in less than one minute. It’s an easy-to-use product for beautifying your gutters and aluminum when they could use a touch-up after you’ve removed those leaves.
Key Specs
| Weight | 2 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Style | Spray |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 in. |
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Pros
- Good value for what you get
- Multifunctional design
Cons
- Relatively expensive
If you don’t have a leaf blower but are interested in taking advantage of their convenient gutter-cleaning abilities, this Sun Joe kit is a worthwhile purchase.
It includes the blower itself, plus a hooked extension attachment that allows you to blow out gutters up to 15 feet high effectively. This multipurpose blower is also helpful for other yard work tasks and works as a vacuum for sucking up piles of collected leaves.
We’ve had great experiences with Sun Joe products and have always found them well-made and durable.
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.6 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Style | Leaf blower kit |
| Dimensions | 32.68 x 12.79 x 9.1 in. |
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
