Pressure washer nozzles explained: Which one does what?
Choosing the right nozzle for your pressure washing job is important!
If you’re a DIY homeowner who likes to tackle exterior cleaning yourself, you’ve probably noticed those little coloured nozzles that come with most pressure washers. They might look like they only differ in colour, but each one is designed for a very specific spray pattern and intensity.
Using the wrong one can mean the difference between a clean driveway and a shredded deck!!
Here’s a breakdown of the most common nozzle types, what they’re best for, and where to be careful.
🔴 0° Nozzle (Red) – The Laser Beam
Spray Pattern: A pinpoint stream with no fan.
Use For: Removing tough stains on hard, durable surfaces only (like stubborn rust or concrete spots).
Caution: This tip is extremely aggressive. It can cut into wood, siding, or even concrete if held too close. Most homeowners never need to use this tip for regular cleaning.
Think of this as the “don’t mess around” nozzle — if you’re not 100% confident, skip it.
🟡 15° Nozzle (Yellow) – Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Spray Pattern: Narrow fan for high-pressure cleaning.
Use For: Stripping paint, cleaning heavily stained driveways, or prepping hard surfaces for refinishing.
Caution: Still quite strong — keep moving to avoid etching concrete or damaging surfaces.
This is often the go-to for tough driveway grime or mildew on concrete.
🟢 25° Nozzle (Green)– General Cleaning
Spray Pattern: Medium-width fan.
Use For: Most exterior surfaces — decks, patios, driveways, siding, fences.
Caution: On softer materials (like wood), keep a safe distance and don’t linger in one spot.
This is the most versatile nozzle for homeowners. If you’re only going to use one, the green tip is usually the safest bet.
🔵 40° Nozzle (White) – Gentle Washing
Spray Pattern: Wide fan.
Use For: Delicate surfaces like windows, painted areas, vehicles, or light rinsing after applying detergent.
Caution: It’s much gentler, but you should still keep distance from fragile materials like old paint or window seals.
This nozzle is ideal for rinsing siding and general house washing without risking damage.
🟣 Soap Nozzle (Black) – Detergent Application
Spray Pattern: Very wide, low pressure.
Use For: Applying soaps or cleaners through the machine.
Caution: This nozzle doesn’t clean — it lays down solution. You’ll switch to another tip to rinse.
If you’re soft washing your siding, this is the first step before switching to a 40° nozzle to rinse.
| Color | Spray Angle | Common Use | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 0° | Spot removal on concrete/metal | 🔥 High |
| Yellow | 15° | Heavy-duty cleaning, stripping paint | ⚠️ Medium-High |
| Green | 25° | General cleaning | ✅ Medium |
| White | 40° | Delicate surfaces, rinsing | 🧊 Low |
| Black | Soap | Detergent application | 🧼 Very Low |
Pro Tips for Homeowners
Test first: Start with the white or green nozzle on a hidden spot to see how the surface reacts.
Keep your distance: Begin at least 2 feet away and move closer gradually.
Use steady sweeps: Don’t hold the nozzle in one spot — that’s how you cause damage.
Upgrade wisely: Cheap pressure washers can underperform; good nozzles make a big difference.
The Bottom Line
The nozzle you choose determines pressure, coverage, and risk. Start gentle, work methodically, and use the right tool for the job. And if you run into something stubborn — or a surface you’re unsure about — that’s a good sign it might be time to call in a professional.
Exhausted just from reading this post? We got you!
Briteworx offers soft washing and pressure washing services across Metro Vancouver, Tri-Cities & Fraser Valley. Book a service and let us figure out the coloured nozzles while you Netflix and chill!
