How to Clean Gutters with Vinegar

By High Five Gutters on May 24, 2021

A solution of white vinegar and water is effective at removing grime and gunk from your gutters. It’s safe to use on aluminum, plastic, and vinyl. Vinegar works well to clean both the interior and exterior of gutters. Just make sure to remove any leaves or large debris from the inside before cleaning.

In our post How Do You Remove Black Stains From Gutters, we explain what that black gunk is and go through a few methods of removing and preventing it.

Ingredients List

• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Large plastic bucket
• Scrub brush or sponge

How to Make a Cleaning Solution

1. Combine your white vinegar and warm water in a bucket. A good mix ratio is 3:1 — three parts water and one part vinegar.
2. Use a sponge and apply the solution to the interior or exterior of your gutters. You can also pour the solution into your gutters but this will require a large volume of the cleaning solution. Make sure to plug your downspouts.
3. After an hour of soaking, drain the solution and rinse your gutters completely. A pressure washer performs wonderfully for this task.
4. You may also need to spray down any nearby surfaces that got dirty from gutter grime. Decks, cars, outdoor furniture, and windows are just a few of the items that commonly need an extra post-cleaning wash.

A Few Final Tips

Make sure to use warm water. It improves the cleaning process.

Spray down your gutters before applying your cleaning solution. This will remove any lose dirt and grime.

Practice proper ladder safety at all times.

Wear appropriate protective equipment, including eye gear. Vinegar and other chemicals can be painful when exposure occurs.