Gutter cleaning - one result, three different ways to get there

Keeping gutters clear is essential for protecting a property from leaks, damp and overflowing rainwater. Whether you’re a window cleaner adding gutter work to your services or a homeowner comparing options, there are three popular ways to get the job done: traditional poles, pressure washing and modern gutter vacuums. Each method has its strengths, costs and challenges. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown to help you choose the approach that suits your work style, equipment and budget.

1: Using a Traditional Cleaning Pole

Q: "What’s the advantage of cleaning my gutters the traditional pole way?"

• The traditional method is the simplest and cheapest way to clear gutters. You attach ProGutter Cleaning Tools to the end of a traditional telescopic pole and remove the debris manually.
• You climb a ladder, position yourself level with the gutter, then drag debris back towards you. Once the waste gathers at your end, you can lift it out safely and dispose of it without spreading dirt everywhere.
• ProGutter tools come in several shapes—straight, square, half-round, and more—giving you a tool for almost any gutter profile. Having a small set ensures you can adapt quickly on each job.
• Most window cleaners already own a pole and a ladder, so the cost to get started is minimal compared with other gutter-cleaning methods.

Q: "Are there any disadvantages to gutter cleaning this way?"

• You need to work at gutter height for the best results, which often means going up a ladder. That introduces risk, especially on wet or uneven ground.
• Traditional pole work depends on access. Curved gutters, deep corners, conservatory overhangs, or complex rooflines can make certain areas difficult to reach.
• It is slower than other methods, and manually pulling wet debris towards you can be messy on heavy autumn jobs.

2: Using a Pressure Washer

Q: "What’s the advantage of using a pressure washer for gutter cleaning?"

• Pressure washing is faster than traditional gutter clearing because it blasts debris out of the gutter quickly. With a high-reach pressure washing lance and a High Pressure Gutter Cleaner extension, you can direct water down into the gutter to clear moss, silt, leaves, and compacted waste.
• Different nozzle types help you control the spray pattern—pencil jets for stubborn material and fan jets for a wider flush—so keeping a few handy helps you adapt to different gutter conditions.
• If your business already uses a pressure washer for patios, driveways or exterior walls, adding a gutter cleaning lance is a small upgrade rather than a full investment.
• Because a pressure washer creates strong recoil, using a back belt reduces arm fatigue and improves control when operating at full height.

Q: "Are there any disadvantages to gutter cleaning this way?"

• Controlling a lance at full pressure can be challenging. When you squeeze the trigger, the sudden kickback can make the nozzle jump.
• If the nozzle slips out of the gutter mid-blast, water will shoot downwards—often straight towards the user or the customer’s property.
• Pressure washers are loud and can disturb neighbours, pets, or customers during the job.
• Expect a big clean-up after blasting; facias, walls, windows, and the surrounding area may need rinsing once the gutter debris has been ejected.

3: Using Gutter Vacuums

Q: "What’s the advantage of using a gutter vacuum for gutter cleaning?"

• Gutter vacuums are now the most popular professional method in the UK. They offer fast results, keep the operator safely on the ground, and create far less mess than pressure washing.
• Modern systems use lightweight carbon fibre poles, strong suction motors, and various shaped tools that let you reach over garages, conservatories, extensions, and awkward rooflines with ease.
• Vacuum cleaning is clean and controlled—ideal for residential areas where you want to avoid splashing walls or landscaping.

Q: "Why does my gutter vacuum pole get blocked up so often?"

• All vacuum poles can block when sucking up moss, wet leaves, or compacted debris. The modular design helps you break down the pole quickly so you can clear the obstruction without dismantling the whole system.
• Large pieces of roof tile, broken brackets, or birds’ nests often cause mid-pole blockages, so regular checks during the job save time.

Q: "Why are there so many nozzle types?"

• Nozzles vary in shape and angle to improve airflow and tackle different gutter conditions. A sharp bend helps reach under tiles, a wide mouth improves suction on wider gutters, and narrower tools break up stubborn compacted material.
• To handle a full range of properties, most professionals keep several nozzle types ready to swap during the job.

Q: "Why do I need a camera or survey kit?"

• Many customers have no idea how blocked their gutters are. A small inspection camera mounted at the top of the pole lets you show the customer before-and-after images, helping justify the work and build trust.
• Survey kits also help you check tricky corners and confirm the gutter is fully clear before you pack away.

Q: "Are there any disadvantages to gutter cleaning this way?"

• Gutter vacuums require the biggest initial investment because you need the vacuum, the carbon poles, and the nozzle set.
• Most high-power vacuums are noisy and need a reliable electrical supply. Some jobs may also require long extension cables.
• Vacuums must be kept dry when in use, so working in heavy rain is not recommended.

Each gutter cleaning method achieves the same result, but the right choice depends on your tools, experience and the type of properties you work on. Traditional poles keep costs low, pressure washers deliver fast results, and gutter vacuums offer clean, professional, ground-based operation. Many UK window cleaners eventually combine two or more methods to stay flexible across different homes and roofs. Whichever route you choose, regular gutter maintenance protects your customer’s property and gives you a valuable service to add to your business.