1. **Safety first**: Before you begin, ensure that you have a sturdy ladder and someone to assist you, if possible. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from debris and use safety glasses to shield your eyes.
2. **Gather your supplies**: You'll need a ladder, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a gutter scoop or trowel, a bucket or garbage bag, and a small brush or scrubbing pad (optional).
3. **Position the ladder**: Set up the ladder on stable ground near the area of the gutter you'll be cleaning. Make sure the ladder is tall enough to reach the gutters comfortably without overreaching.
4. **Clear debris from the gutter**: Start at the end of the gutter farthest from the downspout. Use the gutter scoop or trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutter. Place the debris into the bucket or garbage bag as you work.
5. **Flush the gutter with water**: Once you've removed the bulk of the debris, use the garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush out any remaining dirt and small particles. Start at the end of the gutter farthest from the downspout and work your way toward it.
6. **Check for clogs**: If water doesn't flow freely through the downspout, there may be a clog. Use the garden hose to flush water through the downspout to clear any obstructions.
7. **Inspect for damage**: While you're cleaning the gutters, take the opportunity to inspect them for any signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or loose screws. Make note of any repairs that may be needed.
8. **Clean the downspouts**: Use the garden hose to flush water through the downspouts to remove any remaining debris. If necessary, use a plumber's snake or a pressure washer to clear stubborn clogs.
9. **Rinse the gutters**: Once you've removed all debris and cleared any clogs, rinse the gutters with water to remove any remaining dirt and grime.
10. **Reposition the ladder**: Move the ladder to the next section of the gutter and repeat the cleaning process until you've cleaned all sections of the gutter.
11. **Dispose of debris**: Properly dispose of the debris collected from the gutters. You can compost organic debris or dispose of it in your household trash.
Regularly cleaning your gutters, at least twice a year, will help prevent water damage to your home and prolong the life of your gutters.