How to clean the outside of gutters?

Question

Just realized that the gutters of my house really need cleaning. Thought I would just paint, but my Sister in law says they are the kind you just clean. Does anyone have any brilliant way to clean the outside of the gutters? Thanks for your help.

Sandra Kilburn Sigrimis · Answer

I was told that a mixture of 2 cups white vinegar and 2 cups kerosene (fuel oil) mixed together and brushed on with a soft brush leaves the metal surface clean. This also cleans the outside of mobile homes and leaves them looking really nice looking.

Nancy Turner · Answer

You could use a pressure washer, just adjust the flow so you don't damage them or know them right off the house.

DAWNA DANSBY · Answer

Spray 'MEAN GREEN' on them and let them soak it up then hose off.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Spray them with a product called Wet-and-Forget to get rid of mold. A safe non-toxic cleaner for all surfaces.

Hillela G. · Answer

If you want to use a chemical free solution, you can make a gutter cleaning solution with vinegar in warm water. You can also make an aluminum polishing paste from cream of tartar and water or use a car wax to help repeal dirt. Apply the spray wax or your homemade paste to the outside of your gutters while still wet.

Beverlymomma · Answer

Good old bleach and water in a spray bottle to get rid of mold

Shirley Heikkinen · Answer

Pressure washing is the easiest way to clean them.

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

I go the vinegar route to get rid of mold.

Sandra Flint · Answer

If you have a power washer try that first. They are terrific. If that's not possible, bleach and bleach based products are the only way to 'kill'mildew and mold. My husband tried a new 'miracle' cleaner last year and it did nothing. Don't know if it's the same one recommended in previous responses.

Sharon · Answer

To get rid of mold, I use bleach solution in water, and a long-handled car washing brush. I put the bleach in one of those windex bottle you attach to your hose (I save the old ones when i do the windows), hose it on, let sit a few mins. then turn on just the water, and scrub and rinse.

Dfm · Answer

Pressure washer with a solution of oxyclean in the tank. The oxyclean won’t harm the grass etc.

M barnard · Answer

If you are lucky and your white gutters are easily reached with an extension ladder, then try Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. We have the gutters that keep leaves out so more to clean off then normal kind. We were shocked at how they turned out. They look new and are at least 10 years old. Had not thought to use these in the past. Have also used these on our 35+ year old white vinyl siding where can reach and the white vinyl tilt out window trim. When in doubt try a small spot first and rub lightly.

Wet & Forget did not work on the gutter for us but does work on the vinyl siding but hard to spray up high-2nd story. Worked for 1 year on siding but have to do it each year. It does not work immediately but over time and is very difficult to use on 2nd story and peak of roof area. I hang out the window with a garden sprayer so hard to spray without getting it in your face. Do this on a no wind day only with shower cap and goggles!

Hope the Magic works for you and be safe if using a ladder trying it. Live in northern VA with lots of trees so lots of dirt off the roof if this helps your decision. I do this once a year in fall to stay on top of it all and hose the gutters down after heavy rains that wash dirt off the roof. Saves my back at the fall magic time session! After paying $1800 to have the house cleaned by professionals and then it was dirty the following year, I'm okay with DIY.

Katherine · Answer

To clean off mildew, fill a spray bottle with half bleach half water. Thoroughly spray your gutters and walk away for 30 minutes or so. Then rinse the gutters with water using a hose or pressure washer. If they still have mildew on them repeat the steps and wipe the gutters down with a cloth. Unless you have a terrible problem, the mildew will be be mostly gone after the first treatment and you will only need to spot treat areas you missed.

Sharon · Answer

I put bleach and water in a hose attachment sprayer (I reuse the Windex ones) give it a blast or two

Jody Price · Answer

When I find mildew anywhere, I use any product labeled as such. Some brands work better than others. Start off with the cheap brand. Spray to soak. Rinse. Repeat if needed. Place something under the gutters so the shrubs or flowers won't die.

Cindy · Answer

A power washer will help get stains off AND can also be used to clean out any debris that have built up inside your gutters.

Bijous · Answer

I use EZ House Cleaner. It attaches to a garden hose and works on the stains and mildew. I also scrub here and there where needed. White gutters on a lot full of trees. Regret is my middle name.

Margaret · Answer

Power washer and bleach

Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage · Answer

Do you have a mildew problem? Personally I think a power washer is the best way to avoid using chemicals but if you don't want to use that you could try a vinegar and dish soap solution. You could even try a magic eraser, but I would be careful with that because they can easily strip paint.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Hi there, Just get up the ladder with a bucket a warm soapy water or Flash!

C. D. Scallan · Answer

Pressure wash them bleach and water .

FL · Answer

If you have mildew, maybe use bleach? But I would use a non-scratching powder like Bon Ami or baking soda and scrub them. Good luck!

Jan Clark · Answer

First thing is are they PVC or aluminum? Usually a product like Simple Green will clean them pretty quick. For tough spots, don't scrub or you'll mar the surface, use something like a magic sponge. Hope this helps.

Mag21178819 · Answer

Try baking powder and vinegar, but separately

Kelli L. Milligan · Answer

I've used soft scrub and warm water.

Diana Deiley · Answer

For exterior vinyl siding, gutters, etc. I use either pool chlorine mixed with a gallon of water, or sometimes just white vinegar and water. For the ugly tough stuff try a product called 30 Seconds. Note: Always read and follow manufacturer instructions and guidelines. (I've used all these products and all have worked excellent for me here in Florida.) Best of luck.

Linda Sikut · Answer

Hi,

I would suggest trying plain white vinegar which actually does kill mold. As far as not wiping it off and only using a hose to removed the mold, that will depend on the surface and how much mold is there. You could also try a product called Wet & Forget - for mold. Many people on Hometalk recommend that product. Be aware though that you might not get the best results with any product if you don't want to wipe it as the last step. It could possibly help to use a pressure washer because it has more power to lift dirt and mold. Wishing you the best. -Linda

Cheryl Gillman · Answer

You could try some isopropyl alcohol (that's a high %!!) In a spray bottle (just wear eye protection and a mask obviously) spray on let it sit a couple minutes then wash off

How to clean the outside of gutters?

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