You can’t put it off any longer. It’s time to clean out your gutters so rainwater can flow freely through them again. It probably won’t be the most fun task you’ll have this weekend, but at least you can be prepared for it so it will take less time to complete.

With that in mind, here are 10 different supplies you should have before starting the job:

1. Gloves. They’re for more than just keeping your hands from getting filthy. Gloves will protect your hands from the sharp edges of gutter sections and clips. Rubber gloves work fine, and so will standard work gloves (though they may need a good washing once the job is done).
2. Rubber-soled shoes. The proper footwear is important — whether you’re going to be upon on a ladder or walking on the roof itself. You’ll need the rubber soles to grip the surface you’re standing on to avoid slipping; a slip-and-fall while cleaning gutters can be serious.
3. Sunscreen. If you’ll be cleaning gutters on a day where there’s even a hint of sunshine, applying sunscreen before you start is a wise move. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time near your roof, you’ll be out of the shade and may get some added sunlight reflected onto your skin. Plus, you could be up there a while.
4. Bug spray. If you haven’t cleaned out your gutters in a while, there may be mosquitoes or other pests lurking in pools of water or piles of debris. And slapping at bugs to keep them from biting you is quite unpleasant (not to mention dangerous, if you’re high off the ground)
5. Ladder. Ah, yes — one of the most important items for gutter cleaning. If you plan on doing any of your work while on the ladder, make sure it is in good working condition, steadily balanced, and anchored properly before climbing onto it. And while cleaning your gutters, try to have both feet and at least one hand on the ladder at all times. (we recommend investing in a ladder stabilizer that detaches easily when not needed for other tasks)
6. Garden hose with jet sprayer. You may find it easier to “power wash” the debris out of your gutters. Hooking up a garden hose to an outdoor spigot and using a jet spray hose attachment can work for some. Just use extra caution when taking the hose up the ladder with you.
7. Gutter scoop. This is a specially-shaped gutter cleaning implement that can be purchased at many hardware and home improvement stores. It fits perfectly inside your gutters and scoops out debris easily. If you don’t have a gutter scoop, a standard garden spade will work in a pinch.
8. Garbage bags. Your gutters may be debris-free, but your yard will have clumps of leaves and pine needles when you’re done. So grab a few garbage bags for all of the debris. (It’s not a good idea to try and simultaneously hold a garbage bag and clean your gutters out while on a ladder.)
9. Brush. A heavy bristled brush is handy to clean off any built-up dirt and grime stains on the insides of your gutters after you have cleared away the debris. For stubborn stains, you may need to use soap or a similar cleaner to get your gutters back to their original color.
10. Icy beverage. After you’ve completed this arduous task, you deserve a treat. So find a shady spot and enjoy!

Or you could just reach out to your local Gutter Helmet dealer and enjoy that “Icy Beverage” without having to use any of these supplies or even break a sweat!

(Featured Image: alibaba.com)