Did you know that pressure washing nozzles are color coded? And that you should use different color nozzles on different surfaces? Before tackling any pressure washing projects on your own, you should get to know the color-coded system to get the results you want and avoid causing any damage.
Each color represents a different angle of the spray fan pattern. As bobvila.com says, “Don’t use one nozzle tip for every job.” Choosing the correct nozzle will:
- help prevent any mishaps
- protect surfaces from damage
- improve pressure washing efficiency
So, before you start cleaning, get to know these pressure washing nozzles and see what they can do for you. When using a pressure washer, the CDC recommends following the safety instructions included in the owner’s manual.
Red 0° Nozzle (Blasting)
Also known as the blasting or pinpoint nozzle, the red nozzle is a highly specialized and powerful tool in the pressure washing arsenal. These pressure washing nozzles produce a concentrated, pencil-thin stream of water that delivers maximum impact and pressure. Because it has an extremely narrow spray angle, the red 0° nozzle is best for jobs that require intense cleaning power and precision.
This nozzle is great for stubborn stains, removing paint, or clearing debris from hard-to-reach areas. It provides the highest level of pressure and allows for pinpoint accuracy, making it best for deep cleaning and removing deeply ingrained dirt or grime.
Surface Precautions
This produces the strongest stream, so use it with caution! The concentrated jet of water can have a lot of force and could potentially damage or etch delicate surfaces. For example, avoid using it on wood, glass, or vehicle paint. It’s recommended for surfaces like concrete and hard metal that can withstand high pressure. Test the nozzle on a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning to make sure it’s okay.
Technique & Safety
Keep the nozzle moving constantly to prevent any potential damage from prolonged exposure in a single spot. Protective equipment (safety goggles, gloves, boots, etc.) should be worn every time you pressure wash ESPECIALLY when using the red 0° nozzle. This stream can slice through skin, siding, and wood, so use extreme caution!
Bottom line
This nozzle is a heavy hitter and you should only use it on tough stains on even tougher surfaces, such as concrete and hard metal.
Yellow 15° Nozzle (Stripping)
Yellow 15° pressure washing nozzles deliver a strong, focused stream of water at a slightly wider spray angle than the red nozzle. This nozzle is versatile and a good choice for tough stains like mold and mildew or getting to hard to reach areas.
It is also suitable for paint stripping from larger areas. It combines power with a wider coverage angle, which is great for efficient and uniform paint removal. Whether you’re preparing a surface for repainting or simply stripping away old layers, the yellow 15° nozzle is a reliable choice.
Surface Precautions
Be careful when using this nozzle on delicate surfaces such as wood and vinyl siding. The high-pressure stream can still cause damage if not used properly.
Technique & Safety
When starting out, stand at a distance and slowly move closer to the surface. Keep this nozzle in continuous motion to avoid any potential harm to surfaces.
Bottom line
This nozzle is perfect if you need a little power and spread for a tough spot. Its focused stream and wider spray angle make it good for removing stuck-on stains, dirt, and grime on concrete, brick, or other hard surfaces.
Green 25° Nozzle (Lifting)
The green 25° nozzle is a well-rounded general cleaning nozzle. This is a versatile option that strikes a perfect balance between cleaning power and coverage. Out of all pressure washing nozzles, this is THE popular choice for general-purpose exterior cleaning.
The combination of cleaning power and efficiency makes it highly effective in removing dirt, grime, and mildew from a variety of surfaces. The broader spray angle is suitable for cleaning larger areas such as decks, fences, siding, and driveways.
The green 25° nozzle delivers enough pressure to remove dirt and debris, while still being gentle enough to avoid damage to most surfaces. It is an ideal choice for regular maintenance cleaning because it cleans without causing harm to painted surfaces or delicate materials.
Surface Precautions
Versatility doesn’t mean usability in all cases. The green nozzle may not be strong enough to remove tougher stains or deeply ingrained dirt. In such cases, you may need to get a more specialized nozzle or one with a narrower angle. As always, test the nozzle on a small area before cleaning to make sure you’re getting the results you want.
Technique & Safety
Maintain proper technique and keep a safe distance from the surface being cleaned. By moving the nozzle in a sweeping motion, you can ensure even coverage and prevent streaking or uneven cleaning results.
Bottom line
This is an excellent choice for general-purpose cleaning. The wider spray angle provides efficient coverage, making it suitable for a range of surfaces and regular maintenance cleaning. This nozzle is a go-to for driveways, sidewalks, patio furniture, and general home use.
White 40° Nozzle (Spraying)
This wide-angle nozzle provides a gentle and dispersed spray. That makes it ideal for surfaces that are prone to damage or require a lighter touch. It is commonly used for cleaning windows, screens, painted surfaces, and other sensitive materials. The wider spray pattern allows for even distribution of water, minimizing the risk of streaking or causing damage to the surface.
Surface Precautions
While white pressure washing nozzles are gentle on delicate surfaces, they may not provide the same level of cleaning power as the more narrow nozzles.You should consider the condition of the surface you are cleaning and assess whether a wider angle nozzle will effectively remove the dirt or stains. For heavily soiled or deeply ingrained dirt, you may need to switch to a narrower nozzle for more concentrated cleaning power.
Safety & Technique
When using the white 40° nozzle, it’s important to maintain a safe distance from the surface being cleaned. Keep the nozzle about 2 feet away from the surface to help prevent any damage. Also, it’s crucial to keep the nozzle in continuous motion while cleaning to avoid concentrated water pressure in one spot. This will help make sure you get even cleaning results and prevent any streaking or surface damage.
Bottom Line
The white 40° nozzle is a valuable tool for cleaning delicate surfaces, such as windows, screens, painted surfaces, and sensitive materials. Its wide-angle spray pattern provides a gentle and dispersed cleaning action, which reduces the risk of surface damage. However, it may not be suitable for heavily soiled surfaces or tough stains.
Black ~65° Soap Nozzle
The black nozzle has the widest angle spray of all the pressure washing nozzles at about 65°. And it’s designed for applying detergent or soap solutions as you clean. This gives you an even distribution of cleaning agents to loosen dirt, grime, and stains on surfaces.
Surface Precautions
Because this nozzle has the widest spray angle, it will put out the lowest pressure. It’s suitable for a variety of surfaces, including siding, decks, and fences, but make sure you’re using the right cleaning solution on your surface. Certain surfaces, such as delicate or porous materials, may need a different approach or a milder soap solution to avoid damage.
Safety & Technique
When using the black soap nozzle, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dilution of the detergent or soap solution. Proper mixing ratios and application techniques will ensure optimal cleaning results. Also, make sure the pressure washer is set to the appropriate mode for soap application. Be careful with the surface you’re treating because some materials might need a gentler approach to prevent damage.
Bottom Line
Of all the nozzles, this will provide the lowest pressure. That makes it the safest — but not always most effective — choice for different surfaces. The most important choice you’ll have to make when using this nozzle is which detergent you’re going to use on which surface.
Turbo Nozzle (Rotary)
Turbo pressure washing nozzles, also known as the rotary or spinning nozzles, are powerful tools. They deliver a highly concentrated, rotating spray pattern that spins within the head at thousands of revolutions per minute, depending on the brand. They have a unique design and functionality that helps break tough stains down quickly and easily. However, you should only use them on more rugged surfaces.
Surface Precautions
Be sure to exercise caution and consider the surface being cleaned. The high pressure and concentrated spray can be too intense for some delicate surfaces. Avoid using the turbo nozzle on wood, fragile painted surfaces, or other surfaces prone to damage. Before using the turbo nozzle, assess the surface condition and consult manufacturer guidelines to make sure it’s safe.
Safety & Technique
Like the red nozzle, this puts out a high pressure and concentrated stream. Always wear appropriate safety equipment and avoid bodily contact because this will break and damage skin. Be sure to keep a safe distance from the surface you’re cleaning to prevent damage or injury. Also, keep the nozzle in continuous motion to avoid concentrating the pressure in one spot because this could cause surface damage.
Bottom Line
The turbo pressure washing nozzle is a valuable tool for tackling tough stains and blasting deeply embedded dirt. It delivers a highly concentrated and rotating spray pattern that really boosts your cleaning power. Remember, the turbo nozzle is a powerful tool and you should use it with care and only on surfaces that can handle the intensity.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use the six pressure washing nozzles is important for getting good results and preventing harm. Stick to using high-pressure, low degree nozzles for hard surfaces (hard metals and concrete). And for more delicate surfaces (wood, windows, blinds, etc.) use lower-pressure, higher degree nozzles.
The general-purpose green nozzle will be your Goldilocks option. It gives you the “just right” amount of pressure and coverage to handle most things around your house, such as decks, fences, patio furniture, and more.
It takes practice and experience to master the art of pressure washing. Try starting with lower pressure settings and gradually increase if necessary. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first. With this guide and a little determination, you can confidently take on some pressure washing projects on your own.
Pressure Washing Nozzle and Exterior Surface Quick Reference Guide
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