Pressure Washer Nozzles 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Last updated on December 23rd, 2022 | By: Grady Galvez

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1618567771170{padding-top: 35px !important;padding-right: 8% !important;padding-left: 8% !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1671783080705{margin-top: 0px !important;}”]Pressure washer nozzles 101[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1604920897967{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][su_spoiler title=”Short On Time? Here’s A Quick Product Synopsis ” style=”fancy” icon=”arrow-circle-1″]

Top 4 Pressure Washer Nozzles 101:

[su_list icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#ff0000″]

[/su_list][/su_spoiler][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1610013031724{padding-bottom: 15px !important;background-color: #00537c !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Pressure Washer Nozzles – Comparison At A Glance” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28px|text_align:center|color:%23000000|line_height:38px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed1″ css=”.vc_custom_1613373396359{margin-top: -10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1608354501427{padding-right: 12% !important;padding-left: 12% !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text][amazon box=”B06XSHM8WB,B007HHEUA0,B01E0DPVYC,B07C724GWS” grid=”4″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Nozzle Types” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28px|text_align:center|color:%23000000|line_height:38px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613803732674{margin-top: -12px !important;}”]

When you buy a pressure washer, you will get 4 to 5 color coded nozzles. Every color has its own significance-

[su_list icon=”icon: star-o” icon_color=”#04366a”]

  • 0-degree (red)

  • 15-degree (yellow)

  • 25-degree (green)

  • 40-degree (white)

  • Soap (black)

[/su_list][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1613377305668{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 55px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}” el_id=”twinkle-star-pressure-washer-nozzle-tips”][vc_column el_class=”sc1″ css=”.vc_custom_1605157520187{border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Superior Quality Complete Set” font_container=”tag:div|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1613373759591{margin-top: -55px !important;padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #00537c !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1605246213725{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][amazon box=”B06XSHM8WB” template=”vertical”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Twinkle Star Pressure Washer Nozzle Tips” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:34px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613373769461{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Key Highlights

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613373967635{margin-top: -18px !important;}”][su_list icon=”icon: star-o” icon_color=”#04366a”]

  • 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

[/su_list][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1613377331626{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 55px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}” el_id=”briggs-&-stratton-6195-turbo-spray-nozzle”][vc_column el_class=”sc1″ css=”.vc_custom_1605157520187{border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Turbo Spray Nozzle” font_container=”tag:div|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1613374524159{margin-top: -55px !important;padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #00537c !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1605246213725{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][amazon box=”B007HHEUA0″ template=”vertical”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Briggs & Stratton 6195 Turbo Spray Nozzle” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:34px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613374823583{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Key Highlights

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613375053430{margin-top: -18px !important;}”][su_list icon=”icon: star-o” icon_color=”#04366a”]

  • 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

[/su_list][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1613377351425{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 55px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}” el_id=”sun-joe-spx-pca10-10-inch”][vc_column el_class=”sc1″ css=”.vc_custom_1605157520187{border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Patio Cleaning Attachment” font_container=”tag:div|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1613375136473{margin-top: -55px !important;padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #00537c !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1605246213725{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613376287229{margin-top: -16% !important;}”]

[amazon box=”B01E0DPVYC” template=”vertical”]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Sun Joe SPX-PCA10 10-Inch” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:34px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613375147630{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Key Highlights

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613375229873{margin-top: -18px !important;}”][su_list icon=”icon: star-o” icon_color=”#04366a”]

  • Versatile, durable- cleans dirt, debris, and grime faster

  • Suitable for limitless array of cleaning activities

  • Price range– low

[/su_list][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1613377372914{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 55px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}” el_id=”tools-pro-pressure-washer-spray-nozzle”][vc_column el_class=”sc1″ css=”.vc_custom_1605157520187{border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Quick Change 6-in-1 Nozzle” font_container=”tag:div|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:30px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1613375290776{margin-top: -55px !important;padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;background-color: #00537c !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1605246213725{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613376305882{margin-top: -17% !important;}”]

[amazon box=”B07C724GWS” template=”vertical”]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Tools Pro – Pressure Washer Spray Nozzle” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:22px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:34px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613375303270{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Key Highlights

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613375450310{margin-top: -18px !important;}”][su_list icon=”icon: star-o” icon_color=”#04366a”]

  • 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

[/su_list][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1613802925247{margin-top: 2% !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/Tn04zFFiEZY”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”4/6″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Selecting The Perfect Nozzle When You Are Unsure” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:40px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed2″ css=”.vc_custom_1613375577609{padding-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

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:

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Follow What Your Common Sense Guides” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:24px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:34px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Begin Wide And Then Work” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:24px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:36px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613375909015{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

For a good, start use the widest one like the 40-degree nozzle.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Maintain Proper Distance, When You Begin” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:24px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:36px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613375954187{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Precaution Is Better…” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:28px|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:40px” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”hed2″ css=”.vc_custom_1613375989475{padding-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

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.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]