Keeping your gutters free of debris not only keeps your home's exterior looking neat and fresh, it also ensures that water will flow freely away from your home and foundation. This one simple chore can save you thousands of dollars in water damage, foundation damage, and countless headaches that are caused by flooding, water pooling, run off that can leak right into your walls and home. and other homeowner headaches by following these easy steps to learn how to clean your gutters.

To keep your gutters in good shape, plan to clean and rinse them about twice every year--sometimes more if there are a lot of trees near your house. This job is a perfect weekend project, best done during clear, dry weather when you can devote a few hours to the task. Mark your calendar in advance, and commit to performing this chore once in the Spring to clear out all the gunk that snow melt-off and foraging critters have left behind, and once toward the end of Fall to remove all of those leaves, twigs, nuts, and anything else that is caked inside. To help prevent a large build-up of material, adding a third clean-up toward the end of Summer makes a lot of sense, as does maybe even an extra gutter cleaning just before the snow sets in, just to be certain you've done all you can do avoid ice dams.

When you decide it's time to clean out the gutters, make sure that you are confident and comfortable working on ladders and rooftops. Then when you're ready with tools prepped, head up that ladder and get cleaning! These steps described below will help you to learn how to clean your gutters easily and safely, and save you a lot of hassle.

Gutter cleaning is no one's favorite job, but if you're thinking of delaying or skipping your twice-a-year chore, you'll want to reconsider. Here are reasons to always clean your gutters:

Overflow -If water can’t flow through your gutters, the excess will pour right over the sides and directly against your foundation. You risk damage to your garden plants and shrubs, porches, patios, and siding. Plus you will have soil erosion near the foundation, and could find yourself with a flooded house, leaky ceilings and walls, or massive rot to the structure of your house.

Fascia Rotting -The fascia, the board against which your gutters sit, can begin to rot with continued exposure to sitting moisture, causing a multitude of problems for your gutters, roof, and the structure of your home.

Gutter Damage -Water and soaked leaves can be very weighty and may actually pull the gutter system away from your house, or cause other costly damage to your gutters.

Mosquitoes - Yes, those pesky bugs will lay their eggs right in the stagnant gutter pools that form when your downspouts are clogged.

Here are the tools you will need for the job:

1. Ladder

2. Bucket with Hook (to hang on ladder)

3. Waterproof Work Gloves

4. Slim garden trowel

5. Garden hose with sprayer nozzle

6. Trash or Yard Waste Bags

Begin your project by starting at the corner of the house, near a downspout. You will work away from the downspout, so that debris will be guided away and will leave the downspout unclogged. Set up all of your tools here and set up your ladder on a firm, dry, level surface.

If you're using an extension ladder, place a 2x4 block of wood inside the gutter where the ladder is leaning. This will help protect the gutter from being bent or misshapen during your work.

Hang your bucket from the ladder, strap on your work gloves, grab your trowel, and head up the ladder.

1. Use your trowel to begin scooping out the leaves and debris in the gutter right in front of you (be sure never to reach when working on a ladder).

2. Use your gloved hands to dislodge any clogs or clumps that can't be worked by a trowel.

3. Empty the debris into your bucket.

4. Work around the perimeter of the house until all of your gutters are cleared of debris.

5. Grab your hose and rinse out the the remaining residue, guiding the water toward the drain outlet.

6. Check to make sure that the water is flowing freely down the downspout. If there is any obstruction you will want to spray it out or remove it by hand until water flows without impediment. For stubborn clogs, the use of a plumber's snake may be necessary.

7. For added protection, take a look at how well water flowed through your gutters. Remove hidden blockages, and if there is pooling you may need to reposition your gutters to a better angle to allow the water to flow.

8. Dispose of the debris from your bucket either in a yard waste bag, or add it to your compost pile (once all inorganic materials, such as plastics, screws, and food wrappers have been removed).

9. Do a final inspection of your gutters to check for any damages, such as fissures, breakages, dents, or other problems. You will want to repair any you find right away before the damage worsens and puts your home at risk.

DO clean your gutters, even if leaves and gunk aren't visible from your line of sight. Cleaning a minimum of twice a year is a necessity.

DO wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with non-slip traction.

DO wear loose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, without being so loose as to easily snag or get caught while you work.

DO apply plenty of sunscreen while you work, and take periodic breaks to drink plenty of water.

DO try using a step ladder, instead of an extension ladder if possible. Step ladders tend to be a little easier to work with, and don't risk damage to your gutters.

DON'T use a leaf blower to clean out your gutters, as the weight of balancing heavy equipment can throw off your balance and lead to injury.

DON'T attempt to clean the gutters of a home that is two stories or more. Larger jobs like this generally require professional gutter cleaning services.

DON'T attempt to clean your gutters from the rooftop. Reaching down into the gutters increases your chances of losing your balance and falling forward.

DON'T clean your gutters on wet, icy, or windy days. Safety first.

DON'T attempt to clean your gutters with a hose only. This can exacerbate clog problems and won't do a thorough job.