Pressure Washer Nozzles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Choosing and using the perfect pressure washer nozzle is much more important than GPM or PSI of your pressure washing unit. The nozzle is the actual part that hits the cleaning spaces and is responsible for creating pressure in the water stream.
On the basis of physics these nozzles tend to work and as the water-flow is restricted from a continuous source the speed increases thereby resulting in more force in the spray.
Just be cautious!! If the nozzle you choose creates too much pressure then you may risk your property to damage….peeling paint from car, punching through mortar, or gouging chunks out of wood.
The best way is to experiment the nozzle before you finally take a decision to purchase. In short, better to have a firm idea prior to getting started.
Pressure Washer Nozzles - Comparison At A Glance
Nozzle Types
When you buy a pressure washer, you will get 4 to 5 color coded nozzles. Every color has its own significance-
0-degree (red)
15-degree (yellow)
25-degree (green)
40-degree (white)
Soap (black)
Superior Quality Complete Set
Twinkle Star Pressure Washer Nozzle Tips
Key Highlights
Multiple Degrees
¼ inch quick connection
2.5 GPM, up to 4000 PSI
Superior quality stainless steel
You get a complete set
Price range: Low
We start with the red 0-degree nozzle- This is a small-sized, concentrated, but a power packed water jet. This works wonderfully to remove stubborn stains like mildew, glue, oil, tar, dried gum, tree sap, etc.
You can easily use it on very hard surfaces like hard metal or concrete.
Be careful!! This nozzle should not be used on sidings, wood, or any kind of soft spaces. As serious lacerations could be the end result.
Turbo Spray Nozzle
Briggs & Stratton 6195 Turbo Spray Nozzle
Key Highlights
Cleans up to 40% faster than standard nozzles
Suitable for cleaning vinyl, bricks, and concrete
Made for pressure washers up to 3,000 PSI
Creates a powerful jet of water
Price range– Average
The rotary deck cleaning nozzle is an ideal one when you want to clean delicate surfaces like the wooden decks and fences. For gentler cleaning the wider jet serves wonderfully.
When you buy a gas or electric power washer the adjustable and variable nozzles come with it. A single piece with 6-nozzles which can be used to make adjustments in any degree you require.
Patio Cleaning Attachment
Sun Joe SPX-PCA10 10-Inch
Key Highlights
Versatile, durable- cleans dirt, debris, and grime faster
Suitable for limitless array of cleaning activities
Price range– low
Quick Change 6-in-1 Nozzle
Tools Pro - Pressure Washer Spray Nozzle
Key Highlights
The 6 patterns comprise of 0 °, 15 °, 25 °, 40 °- soap & rinse
Features a robust aluminum body
1/4 inch, up to 4000 PSI
Saves a lot of time
Price range: Low
You can put accessory specialized nozzles to numerous uses. You need to buy them separately. They also comprise of scrub brush attachments, second-story extension wands, gutter cleaners, rotating brushes, foam blasters, flat-surface cleaners, etc.
According to Power Washers Expert-
“It is recommended to throw away the 0-degree nozzle (red) type to eliminate the risk of injuries as homeowners seldom use this.”
Moving on to the second nozzle type that is 15- degree (yellow) – This features a narrow but a powerful fan which works generously for removing mildew, paint, rust, before you stain, paint, or re-seal your surfaces.
Caked mud can be removed with this from 4×4 vehicles along with farm equipment (just maintain adequate distance prior to cleaning).
At third place comes the 25-degree nozzle (green) – This is suitable for general cleaning of all types of surfaces.
This nozzle type is the commonest of all used around the home and you can use the wide spray for sweeping away mud, debris, leaves, and other grime. Can be conveniently used on decks, vinyl siding, boats, patio furniture, driveways, and more.
A wide and gentle spray is produced by the 40 – degree nozzle (white). This is ideal for cleaning more delicate and fragile surfaces such as blinds, flower pots, windows, cars, etc. A good option for rinsing off detergents.
Lastly, the one with the lowest pressure is the black soap nozzle and features the largest orifice. The water velocity is decreased while the pressure is increased in the hose. The detergent is pulled from the tank and soap can be applied quickly and easily.
Normally, the nozzles are sold separately but at times they come with the pressure washer.
When you buy a pressure washer turbo or rotary nozzles come with it but sometimes sold as an accessory too. The pressure of a 0-degree (spin at 5000 to 9000 RPM) is combined and expanded to a circular pattern of 15-degree.
This way you can save your cleaning time too. They are still capable enough to produce a powerful spray removing stuck-on grime, stripping paint etc.
Selecting The Perfect Nozzle When You Are Unsure
If you are using a pressure washer for the first time and are unsure about which nozzle to use, then the undermentioned general rules will surely prove of some help for you:
Follow What Your Common Sense Guides
We can understand this with an example here: If you have to clean your vinyl siding or a wooden deck then a 0-degree nozzle will be sufficient and a 15-degree may not be of much use until and unless the surfaces are extremely filthy or you are doing preps for stain or paint.
Begin Wide And Then Work
For a good, start use the widest one like the 40-degree nozzle.
Maintain Proper Distance, When You Begin
When you start keep a distance of at least 24 inches and then gradually move further. Getting close than 6 inches could be harmful. If still you are not getting the desired result and the dirt is not being removed properly then you should try a narrow-angled nozzle.
Precaution Is Better…
Always test a patch or an inconspicuous area for optimum cleaning results. You can check for any damages and hide it, if any. This will make you know about the nozzle functioning in the best way.