How to Clean Your Aluminum Gutters

If you decide to paint your aluminum gutters because their color has faded, or so they match your house, it's necessary to clean them first. They must be completely free from debris, dirt and grease. Otherwise, the primer and paint won't adhere to the aluminum properly. Power-washing is a popular way to clean many items. Tim Carter of Ask the Builder doesn't recommend power-washing aluminum gutters before painting them. He says it will leave dirt behind. Instead, they need to be cleaned the old-fashioned way--with plenty of elbow grease.

Ladder
Wet/dry vacuum
Putty knife
Garden hose
Bucket
Dishwashing soap
Large grout sponges or scrub brushes

Instructions

- 1
  Set the ladder up on a level surface beside the gutters so you can safely reach them. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove leaves, twigs, dirt and debris from inside the gutters.
- 2
  Scrape off any loose paint on the metal, using a putty knife. Remove it on the inside and outside of the aluminum gutters.
- 3
  Put a squirt of dishwashing soap in the bucket. Fill the bucket with water to make a sudsy solution. Dip a sponge or brush in the bucket. Scrub the aluminum gutters inside and out. Dip the sponge or brush into the solution additionally as needed. Rinse the gutters well with a garden hose, according to Ask the Builder.

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