Cleaning Out Mucky Gutters Just Got So Much Easier Thanks To Ryobi's Genius Tool
Your gutters keep rainwater away from your home's foundation and roof, preventing damage. Over time, however, they can become clogged with dirt, debris, and leaves from nearby trees. It's important to clean your gutters regularly so they don't become clogged. If you don't keep your gutters clean, it can lead to a variety of problems, including mold development. Cleaning gutters isn't really that difficult. Many homeowners can do it themselves.
The problem is that, in most cases, you'll need to climb a ladder to clean them. Trying to balance on a ladder while pulling debris from your gutters is a recipe for disaster, especially if your home is not a single-story. You can hire a professional to do the job for you, but that can be expensive. Hiring a pro can cost up to $400 for a two-story home. Fortunately, there is an easy way to clean your gutters — and it doesn't even require a ladder. We came across a TikTok from @ryobitoolsusa that shows how to easily clean gutters using a handy gutter blower attachment tool.
The clever tool you need to clean your gutters
You can clean your gutters from the ground using a power washer, but in most cases, this is not very effective and can also seriously damage the drainage system. Fortunately, RYOBI created a solution that allows you to thoroughly clean your gutters while standing on the ground. The TikTok video shows that the RYOBI EXPAND-IT gutter blower attachment quickly and easily blows away debris lurking in gutters.
To use RYOBI's gutter attachment, you'll first need to purchase one of its attachment-capable string trimmers. You can get a 40-volt, 15-inch gas trimmer on its website for $179. The gutter blower attachment is an additional $129. This must-have tool can remove wet leaves, pine needles, and even tightly packed debris. The attachment extends up to 9 ½ feet, so you should be able to reach most one-story gutters easily. If you have a second-story home, it's best to call a professional to tackle your gutter cleaning.
Tips for cleaning your gutters
Your gutters should be cleaned twice per year, once in the spring and then again in the fall, but they may need to be tended more often if they have a lot of debris. If you see water spilling from the side of your gutters or notice water stains on the outside of your home under your gutters, it's time to clean them out. Gutter cleaning can be quite messy, so wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Before you get started, make sure you have the proper safety equipment. Twigs, other types of debris, and common pests may be lurking in your gutters and might fly out when you clean them. Therefore, you should always wear safety glasses and work gloves to protect your hands. After you clean the gutters, don't forget to groom your downspouts. You can flush out your downspouts with a garden hose. Once you have finished cleaning the gutters and downspouts, rake all the debris into a trash bag, keeping in mind that you should avoid putting certain items in the trash can.