Understanding Pressure Washer Nozzles
Nozzles are typically colour-coded by spray angle and jet type. The same pump pressure produces very different cleaning effect depending on which nozzle is fitted. This is the most important piece of knowledge for effective pressure washing.
Colour-Coded Nozzle Guide
| Colour | Angle | Use Case | Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 0° | Stubborn deposits on stone/concrete | Extremely damaging to most surfaces — use only on bare concrete |
| Yellow | 15° | Heavy cleaning: concrete, stripping paint | Too aggressive for wood, pointing, render or vehicles |
| Green | 25° | General cleaning: most hard surfaces | The default for most home tasks |
| White | 40° | Delicate surfaces, rinsing, windows | Low impact — safe for glass, painted surfaces |
| Black | 65° (soap) | Applying detergent at low pressure | Not for rinsing — very low pressure, only disperses soap |
Rotary/Turbo Nozzle
Not a standard fan nozzle — a rotating jet that oscillates the water stream in a tight cone. Creates the cleaning intensity of a 0° nozzle with the coverage speed of a 25° nozzle. Excellent for concrete, driveways, and very dirty stone. Too powerful for wood decking, block paving joints, and any painted surface.
Surface Cleaner Attachment
A disc-shaped housing containing two or three rotating nozzle arms. Provides even, wide cleaning — 30–40 cm coverage per pass. Eliminates the "zebra striping" effect of repeated fan nozzle passes that leave visible cleaning lines on uniform surfaces. Essential for professional-finish results on large patios and driveways.
Adjustable Nozzles
Some consumer washers come with a single adjustable nozzle that dials from 0° to 65°. Convenient but typically less effective than dedicated nozzles — the variable mechanism slightly reduces pressure at any setting compared to a fixed nozzle. Fine for occasional home use.
Choosing Nozzle Distance
The distance between nozzle tip and surface is as important as nozzle selection. A 25° nozzle at 15 cm delivers intense focused cleaning. The same nozzle at 50 cm delivers a wider, gentler result. Start further away and move closer as needed — you can always increase cleaning intensity by moving closer, but you can't undo surface damage.
FAQ
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my car?
Yes — use the white (40°) nozzle minimum, at 30–50 cm distance. Never use red or yellow nozzles on vehicle paint. A foam lance attachment applies a thick foam detergent layer that softens dirt before rinsing, reducing abrasion risk.