Gutter Cleaning Tips

Midwestpro · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:12 pm Post subject: Gutter Cleaning Tips

Cleaning gutter exteriors is sometimes a service that is included with a more premium house washing services. Cleaning gutter exteriors usually requires special cleaners and techniques to remove dirt and mildew.

Some gutters get black streaks on them often referred to as tiger stripes. These black streaks are caused from rain and moisture from dew. As moisture streaks down the gutter, dirt creates an electrostatic bond to the metal leaving stubborn black streaks. These streaks will come off with some effort to restore your gutters appearance.

If you're going to hire a pressure washing company to wash your house make sure gutter streak removal is included. You may find that some less reputable contractors may tell you they can't remove the streaks. If this happens, I suggest finding another more professional company because they will come clean.

If you are more of a DIYer and aren't afraid of some work then you may want to do the work yourself. Try using a strong degreaser like Purple Power or something similar. Start by using it mixed 50/50 with water increasing the strength if needed. Use a medium stiff scrub brush to apply the cleaner, allow it to dwell for a minute, then scrub the area until the streaks are gone and rinse with a garden hose. Be very cautions at first and test a very small section of gutter to make sure the cleaner is not going to remove the paint off the gutter. If your gutters have been painted then this may be the case, and your results will be minimal. Be sure to rinse down the siding, windows and surrounding landscaping before and after cleaning the gutters, not allowing any cleaner to dry on glass or plants.