The cleaning effect of a pressure washer is not solely determined by PSI and GPM. The Nozzle is the key component that truly determines the water flow pattern, impact force, and safety. Choosing the wrong nozzle can result in low efficiency, or even damage to the surface or equipment.
This article will systematically introduce the common types of nozzles for pressure washers and their applications, helping you quickly select the right nozzle, improve the cleaning effect, and avoid unnecessary damage.
How Pressure Washer Nozzles Work
The nozzle changes the impact mode of the water column by controlling the water outlet angle and the concentration of the water flow:
The smaller the spray angle → the more concentrated the impact force → the stronger the cleaning power
The larger the spray angle → the wider the coverage area → safer and more efficient
Nozzles are usually distinguished by color according to the spray angle, which is a common industry standard.
Common Pressure Washer Nozzle Types
| Color | Jet spray angle | Pressure / Impact Force | Core application | Applicable Surfaces | Notes for Attention |
| red | 0° | Maximum, concentrated water column | Resistant stains, rust, concrete scale, equipment blockage, long-distance powerful cleaning | Concrete, stone, metal | It is strictly prohibited for use on soft surfaces such as wood, cars, and walls, as it is prone to damage. |
| yellow | 15° | High, narrow fan shape | Removing paint, eliminating mold, oil stains, driveway heavy dirt, surface pretreatment | Hard surfaces (bricks, stones, metals) | Avoid staying in one place for a long time to prevent scratching. |
| green | 25° | Medium, standard fan shape | General cleaning: cars, decks, fences, furniture, walls, floors | Most hard / semi-hard surfaces | Most commonly used in households, balancing efficiency and safety. |
| white | 40° | Low, wide fan shape | Large-scale rapid rinsing, rinsing, windows, vehicles, aluminum siding | All safety surfaces, including sensitive painted surfaces | Extremely versatile, with gentle pressure, suitable for final rinse. |
| black | 65° | Minimum, super-wide fan shape | Spraying cleaning agents / foams, pre-washing, uniform application of chemical agents | All surfaces | Used only for applying agents, not for high-pressure rinsing. |
Specialty Pressure Washer Nozzles
Turbo Nozzle
The internal rotating structure transforms the 0° water column into a high-speed rotating circular jet, which combines the impact force of 0° with a larger coverage area. Its efficiency is 30%-50% higher than that of fixed nozzles. It is suitable for large areas of stubborn dirt (such as floors, exterior walls, heavy machinery), rust removal, and paint removal.
Variable Nozzle
Manual rotation adjustment allows the water flow shape to be switched between 0° and 40°. It is suitable for multi-task scenarios and does not require frequent nozzle changes. It is ideal for outdoor comprehensive cleaning.
Foam Nozzle
Built-in foaming net, which mixes water with cleaning agent to produce thick foam. It is commonly used for pre-washing of cars, applying agents on exterior walls / equipment, and prolonging the retention time of the cleaning agent.
Sewer/Jetter Nozzle
Posterior jet (reaction propulsion) + side jet / front jet combination, with built-in self-propulsion capability, is more effective for clearing and cleaning sewer pipes, drainage pipes, sewage pipes, and long-distance pipelines.
Porous / Fan-shaped Combined Nozzle
Multi-nozzle design, covering a larger area simultaneously. It is suitable for large-scale floors, walls, ship bodies, and large equipment, enabling faster cleaning.
Recommended Nozzles for Different Cleaning Tasks
| Cleaning objects | Recommended nozzles |
| Concrete pavement | Yellow 15° / Rotating nozzle |
| Wooden deck Car | Green 25° |
| Exterior wall | White 40° / Foam gun |
| Cleaning agent spray | Green 25° |
| Cleaning objects | Black low pressure |
Recommendations for Selecting Pressure Washer Nozzles
When choosing a nozzle, focus on the following three points:
The material of the cleaning object
The degree of dirtiness
The PSI & GPM compatibility of the equipment
Reminder: Inconsistent nozzle diameter will result in abnormal pressure, which will affect the lifespan of the pump.
Conclusion
In the use of a pressure washer, the selection of the nozzle is often more crucial than the machine itself. By properly combining different nozzles, you can significantly enhance the cleaning efficiency and safety without increasing the equipment cost.
Leave feedback about this