Pressure Washer Nozzles and Nozzles – How to Use the Correct Nozzle

So you've finally picked up the best pressure washer and you're ready to clean. Now, which pressure washer nozzle or nozzle should you choose to get the job done? There aren't really any secrets – picking the right tip may be easier than you think! We've even included a pressure washer nozzle diagram to help you understand the differences.

Check out our best electric pressure washers article for our top picks

Overview of Pressure Washer Nozzles and Nozzles

Pressure washers usually come with a set of nozzles. How much may vary, but there are six basic types: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, soap, and Turbo. We'll go through each and demonstrate how they work, what they're used for, and why you might want to use one type over another.

Four nozzles with different degree markings and colors spray water in a triangle pattern that matches the label. So when you see 0°, 25°, etc., that's describing the spray pattern. Turbine nozzles use a rapid circular swivel motion to make a 0° nozzle cap similar to 25°. These five are responsible for removing buildup.

Soap nozzles, which mix with soap or other cleaners to coat whatever you're trying to clean with suds, aren't actually designed to remove gunk on their own.

Pressure Washer Nozzles – Tip to Tip

red 0° nozzle

Going back to the nozzle, choosing the right nozzle for the job is all about getting the pressure you need. Let's start with the 0° nozzle. It gives you the absolute highest pressure. When you look at the PSI ratings for pressure washers – the maximum ratings are achieved with a 0° nozzle.

Only use the red 0° nozzle for reaching high places, such as soffits, where the extra pressure will give you better access. It can also really help remove super tough stains and debris from concrete and metal. But if you get too close, you can almost carve your initials in the driveway!

You also don't want to use this particular pressure washer tip on painted surfaces, siding, or wood, as it can easily remove coatings and damage softer materials. It goes without saying that you want to wear closed-toed shoes when using a pressure washer – and really be careful not to let the 0° tip touch any part of you or anyone else.

Yellow 15 ° nozzle

The Yellow 15° Pressure Washer Nozzle is perfect for removing tough stains like mold and mildew on PVC fencing. It also produces a strong mist, so don't "linger" on one area for too long. If you're not careful, that 15° tip can start removing aggregate and paint from the concrete.

When using it on siding, make sure to hold the wand far enough away to provide adequate spread on the vinyl. We do not recommend using this nozzle for painted wood siding – unless you are going to use it for painting.

green 25 ° nozzle

Safely clean siding, decks, sidewalks or driveways with the green 25° nozzle. It also does a great job of removing stubborn dirt or mud from off-road vehicles and wheels. Just keep a safe distance to make sure you don't damage the paint. This is a great all-around nozzle, and a great option if you're not sure where to start.

white 40 ° nozzle

The 40° White pressure washer nozzle gives you the widest spray pattern possible. Use this trick to spray and rinse your car, wash windows, and anywhere you want to rinse off. If the surface is fragile, this nozzle allows you to spray a wider area with less pressure to avoid damaging the surface.

Special High Pressure Washer Nozzles

I also want to talk about two other pressure washer nozzles or tips. These offer more than simple spray patterns.

turbo nozzle

OK, let's talk about that turbo nozzle. This is indeed a great invention as it utilizes the power of the 0° tip and rotates it quickly to cover the approximately diameter cone provided by the 25° tip. This means you can clean larger areas quickly with higher pressure because you get pressure and coverage at the same time.

Use it in the same area you would use a 0° or 15° nozzle – just test the area first to make sure you won't damage the surface. We love how it helps clean concrete landscape edges—just move it quickly to avoid damaging softer concrete.

soap mouth

If you happen to have a soap nozzle, these are often used with delivery systems when spraying detergent or foaming agent with water. Most pressure washers either have an on-board detergent tank or allow you to connect the hose directly to the detergent container. It allows you to quickly and easily spray your vehicle, boat or surface without worrying about damaging delicate paint or materials with the high pressure nozzle.

foam cannon

You can also use a third-party foam cannon that sits on the end of the wand and comes with its own low-pressure nozzle.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer Tips

OK, let's wrap things up. The trick to choosing the right pressure washer nozzle or nozzles is finding the widest nozzle you can use that will still effectively clean the surface. This way, you can get the most out of your pressure washer and your time.

If you're working on a surface that's never been cleaned before, try a 40° pressure washer nozzle out of the way first. Pull the trigger with the nozzle about 2 feet from the surface, then push it closer until you see it begin to clean. If you don't see results when the nozzle is a few inches away, try the next size and repeat until you make progress without risking damaging the finish.

If you do notice that you're starting to damage what you're working on, step back immediately and clean from farther away or switch to a wider nozzle.

So there you go – the biggest secret is to take the time to experiment. Every pressure washer is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer for every situation. If you have any questions or feedback for us, feel free to leave a comment below, and as always, thanks for watching!

For some great pressure washers, be sure to check out the range of Simpson pressure washers available here.