Should You Clean Gutters in Fall or Spring? Pros Share When It Helps—and When It Hurts

Keeping your gutter system clean and clear of debris ensures that water can be redirected away from the home.

But, when is the best time to clean the gutters: in the fall or in the spring? We spoke with gutter cleaning and maintenance experts to find out whether it’s better to clean the gutters in the fall or to wait until spring.

Should You Clean the Gutters in Fall or Wait Until Spring?

Choosing when to clean your gutters can make a significant difference when it comes to protecting the home.

“Always clean gutters in the fall—before winter,” sasys Aleks Krylov, Operator, Founder, and President at Stern Gutters. “Once the leaves are down, you want the system cleared and flowing properly. Spring is fine for a second cleaning, but fall is non-negotiable if you want to avoid costly repairs.”

Make gutter cleaning a fall maintenance priority, so you don’t get stuck dealing with overflowing gutters, ice dams, and long-term damage to the home.

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Why Do You Need to Clean Gutters?

Since gutters are designed to catch and redirect the flow of water, some homeowners may be confused as to why they would need to be cleaned at all. After all, if gutters are just an open trough and a downspout, cleaning them seems like it would be unnecessary.

But gutters don’t just catch water, they can also catch and collect dust, dirt, leaves, sticks, and other debris. The gutter system can even become home to bird nests, squirrel nests, or insect nests, which further contribute to the risk of clogging the gutters.

Clogged gutters can create a host of problems, ranging from simple inconveniences, like water dripping over the edges onto your head, to severe long-term structural damage.

“Gutters exist to move water away from your home,” Krylov says. “When they’re clogged with leaves or twigs, that water backs up and finds other paths—down your siding, behind your fascia, into your foundation. Neglected gutters lead to rot, mold, insect issues, and basement leaks. It’s not cosmetic—it’s structural.”

What Is the Best Way to Clean Gutters?

Cleaning the gutters isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming and it does come with several potential risks.

“Make sure you have a sturdy ladder, wear heavy duty gloves to protect your hands from anything sharp, and have a buddy with you to hold the ladder in place to prevent wobbling,” says Phill Barufkin, owner and operator of Fish Window Cleaning.

You can clean gutters by hand or with gutter cleaning tools, though you should avoid using a pressure washer, since these machines can blow seams open or damage the gutter hangers.

It’s also a good idea to take before and after photos to track the condition of the gutters so you can spot any problem areas the next time you clean the gutter system. 

1. Start by setting up a ladder, donning your protective gear, and gathering your tools.
2. Scoop out the bulk of the debris by hand or with gutter cleaning tools, dropping the debris into a bucket or onto a prepared drop cloth on the ground.
3. Use a leaf blower or a garden hose to clear out any fine sediment.
4. Flush the downspouts to confirm the water is moving.
5. If the water does not appear to be moving, take apart the elbows/downspouts and blow the debris out, then reassemble.

More Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Fall maintenance is essential for keeping the home safe and in good condition throughout the long winter months.

But there are many other fall maintenance tips beyond cleaning gutters that you should keep in mind.

• Inspect the roof flashing and sealants, then make any necessary repairs before winter weather hits.
• Check the attic insulation and add more or replace the existing insulation, if necessary, to reduce ice dam risk.
• Extend the downspouts about five to 10 feet away from the foundation if this has not already been done.
• Walk around the property during or after a heavy rain to note any pooling near the house, then take action to redirect the flow of water away from the home
• At least once a year, run water through your underground drainage system to confirm it is not backing up.
• Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain them properly.
• Prune branches that hang close to the home and prepare your lawn for the spring by fertilizing the grass.
• Clean and store outdoor furniture and appliances.
• Have the furnace and chimney inspected annually before cold weather hits.
• Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts and improve home efficiency.
• Inspect and repair any cracks or damage to driveways, walkways, and steps.