People Are Using Pool Noodles to Clean Their Gutters—Experts Weigh In on Whether It Works

It’s no secret that the internet is full of home hacks. Some are brilliant and others are downright questionable. A recent trend involves using a pool noodle as a DIY gutter guard, keeping outdoor debris from clogging your gutters. Pool noodles are inexpensive and readily available, so it’s no surprise that homeowners are curious about this method.

But before you get crafty with your gutter system, it’s worth asking: Does this budget-friendly hack actually work, and are there any downsides to it? To find out, we consulted a home improvement expert to determine whether a cheap pool toy can actually save you from frequent gutter cleanings, or if it will make things worse.

Should You Use a Pool Noodle as a Gutter Guard?

The hack is an alternative to traditional, more costly gutter guards, and the logic behind it is fairly straightforward. By cutting a pool noodle lengthwise in half and placing it inside the trough, you create a foam barrier that’s intended to prevent leaves and other debris from collecting inside the gutter. In theory, rainwater should flow around the noodle and into the downspouts unobstructed.

But is it effective? According to Lou Manfredini, a home expert with Ace Hardware, the answer is no. “The pool noodle trick makes for a great video on TikTok, but in reality, that’s really all it’s good for,” he says. “Organic debris will build up pretty quickly above and below the half noodle, and then the gutters will overflow.”

Then there’s the issue of rain. While pool noodles aren’t absorbent, due to their polyethylene foam material, water can pool inside gutters where there are openings. This is especially concerning when heavy storms roll through. Standing water can not only damage gutters, but it can also create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Not only that, but pool noodles can quickly erode from exposure to the elements.

So, unlike actual gutter guards, which are engineered with filtration and water flow in mind, a pool noodle has no way to prevent buildup. In other words, you might delay clogs for a short time, but you’re creating the perfect environment for debris (and possibly bacteria) to collect. And if your gutters start overflowing, you’re risking much bigger problems, including water damage to your gutters, siding, and foundation. “This is not the way to protect your gutters from clogging," Manfredi says.

Better Alternatives for Keeping Gutters Clear

So, if pool noodles are out, what’s the next best thing? Manfredini recommends a couple of tried-and-true methods that actually work to keep your gutters flowing freely. “The first is to install oversized downspouts and lookouts from the gutter,” he says. “The larger opening and downspouts allow larger debris to flow through and also allow the water in heavy rainstorms to be directed out of the gutter at a faster pace.”

For even better protection, Manfredini suggests investing in actual gutter guards. “Install real legit gutter guards,” he advises. “If your gutters are in good shape, an aluminum cap with screening or slits will allow the water to flow but keep material out of the gutters.” Though gutter guards and larger downspouts may cost more upfront than a few pool noodles, they’re an investment in protecting your home from water damage and the hassle of repeated cleanings.

Lastly, Manfredi adds, “There are also systems that go into the gutter (like the pool noodle idea) but are engineered to work.” A few examples he recommends are GutterBrush and GutterStuff. GutterBrush is an easy-to-install leaf guard featuring bristles that allow for water flow. On the other hand, GutterStuff is actually a foam product, but there’s a big difference between it and a pool noodle. Instead of polyethylene foam, these gutter guards are made of polyether foam, a type often found in outdoor furniture cushions, because it’s more porous and allows for ventilation.

The bottom line is that whichever type of gutter protection you decide to invest in, it’s bound to be a better, long-term solution compared to using a pool noodle as a makeshift solution.

An Alternative Use for Pool Noodles While Cleaning Gutters

While we now know that stuffing pool noodles into your gutters isn’t recommended, there is another pool noodle hack that can actually be helpful when cleaning them out. As demonstrated in this YouTube video, you can easily use a pool noodle as a cushion between the ladder and the house. This protects gutters and siding from scratches or dents. 

Start by cutting the noodle horizontally to your desired length, ideally at least one ladder rung length. Then, cut a slit lengthwise down one side of the noodle before slipping it over the ladder rails. The soft buffer helps prevent damage while you’re working on cleaning out the gutters.