Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM Review: The Homeowner’s Secret Weapon for a Spotless Exterior

I remember staring at my back patio one spring morning, coffee in hand, and feeling a sense of defeat. The once-bright pavers were now a dingy mosaic of green algae, winter dirt, and mysterious stains. The vinyl siding on the north side of the house had developed a stubborn, shadowy film. Even my car, my pride and joy, looked perpetually dusty. The thought of spending an entire weekend on my hands and knees with a scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water was exhausting. It’s a common story for homeowners: the slow, relentless creep of outdoor grime that dulls the beauty of your property and makes everything feel older and more neglected than it is. Ignoring it only makes the eventual cleanup a monumental, back-breaking task. This is the exact moment when the idea of a pressure washer goes from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have” tool.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is more than just a powerful hose; it’s a key solution for restoring and maintaining your home’s exterior surfaces. By using a high-pressure stream of water, it can effortlessly strip away years of built-up dirt, mold, mildew, and grime from concrete, decks, siding, fences, and vehicles. The main benefits are a dramatic saving in time and physical effort, achieving a level of clean that manual scrubbing simply cannot match, and ultimately, protecting your investment by preventing the long-term damage that algae and mold can cause. For many, a powerful and reliable pressure washer like the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM can pay for itself in a single season by eliminating the need to hire professional cleaning services.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner, renter, or car enthusiast who needs a versatile tool for light-to-medium duty cleaning tasks. If you’re looking to wash your cars, clean a moderately sized deck or patio, spruce up patio furniture, or wash vinyl siding, an electric model in this power range is perfect. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to tackle extreme, commercial-grade jobs like stripping multiple layers of old paint from a large house or deep-cleaning heavily oil-stained industrial concrete. For those tasks, a much more powerful and expensive gas-powered unit would be a more appropriate, albeit louder and heavier, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Where will you store the unit? Electric models like this Greenworks are wonderfully compact. With dimensions of just 18.5″ x 10.28″ x 8.74″ and a weight under 17 pounds, it can be easily stored on a garage shelf or in a closet, unlike bulky gas models that demand significant floor space.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and GPM (Gallons Per Minute). 1600 PSI is the sweet spot for residential use—powerful enough to clean effectively without being so strong that it risks damaging car paint, wood decks, or window seals. A 1.2 GPM flow rate ensures efficient cleaning without wasting excessive amounts of water.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a robust plastic housing that can withstand bumps and scrapes. The quality of the hose and wand is also critical. The Greenworks model features a tangle-free hose and standard M22 fittings, which, as we and other users have found, allows for excellent compatibility with a wide range of third-party accessories, enhancing its long-term value.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Electric washers are famously low-maintenance compared to their gas counterparts. There’s no oil to change or fuel to mix. Key ease-of-use features to look for include long power cords (this one has a generous 35-foot cord with a GFCI safety plug), on-board storage for accessories, and quick-connect nozzles for fast changes between tasks.

This careful consideration ensures you get a tool that perfectly matches your needs, turning weekend chores into quick and satisfying projects.

While the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Big Power in a Small Package

Upon unboxing the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM, the first thing that struck us was its incredibly small and lightweight design. Weighing in at just under 17 pounds, it’s a far cry from the cumbersome, wheeled gas-powered behemoths we’ve tested in the past. This is a machine you can genuinely carry with one hand, making it perfect for maneuvering around the yard or carrying up a set of deck stairs. The bright green and black housing feels sturdy and well-constructed, and the clever onboard storage for the spray wand, nozzles, and power cord is a thoughtful touch that keeps everything tidy. Assembly was mostly straightforward, though we did encounter the same minor hiccup some users reported: connecting the wand to the trigger gun requires a very firm, direct push until it clicks securely. It’s not difficult, but it requires more force than the manual might suggest. Once assembled, the long 35-foot power cord and 20-foot hose immediately promise an impressive working radius, a feature that really sets it apart from models with shorter cords that require constant use of an extension cord.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Greenworks Washer to the Test

A pressure washer’s worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but on the grimy surfaces of the real world. We spent several weeks putting the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM through a comprehensive battery of tests, from washing cars covered in road salt to rejuvenating a moss-covered concrete walkway. Here’s our in-depth analysis of how it performed.

Power and Performance: The 1600 PSI Reality Check

Let’s be clear about what 1600 PSI and 1.2 GPM can do. This isn’t the kind of raw power that will etch concrete or blast paint off a barn. And that’s exactly why we love it for residential use. We started with our dirtiest car, caked with a week’s worth of road grime. Using the included 40° nozzle (the wider, more gentle fan), we were able to safely and effectively rinse away the heavy dirt without any concern for the clear coat. The pressure was strong enough to dislodge bugs from the front bumper and clean brake dust from the wheels, tasks that would normally require significant elbow grease. One user confirmed our findings, noting it’s “gentle enough for use on delicate paints & surfaces,” and we wholeheartedly agree. For car washing, this level of power is ideal.

Next, we tackled a small concrete patio that had developed a slippery green film of algae over the winter. Switching to the more focused 25° nozzle brought the power to bear. The difference was immediate and deeply satisfying. With each pass, a clean, bright swath of concrete was revealed. As another user happily reported after cleaning 50-year-old oxidation and moss, “It takes a little time but works very well.” This is the key takeaway: for tougher jobs like concrete, the Greenworks has the power, but it requires patience. The spray pattern is only a few inches wide, so cleaning a large driveway will be a slow, methodical process. It won’t remove deep-set oil stains in a single pass—we found this required multiple treatments and a good degreaser—but for surface-level grime, dirt, and organic growth, it’s a surprisingly effective little beast. The performance is perfectly aligned with its design, offering more than enough power for 90% of household cleaning jobs.

Design and Usability: The Compact Advantage

This is where the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM truly shines and outclasses many of its competitors. The portability is a game-changer. At under 17 pounds, we could easily carry it from the front yard to the backyard without breaking a sweat. There are no wheels, but frankly, it’s so light they aren’t necessary. The integrated top handle is comfortable and balanced. All the components—the two nozzles, the trigger gun, and the wand—snap securely into place on the unit itself. This on-board storage is a massive convenience, preventing those small, essential pieces from getting lost in a cluttered garage.

However, the most significant usability feature, praised by us and multiple users, is the combination of the 35-foot power cord and 20-foot high-pressure hose. This gives you a massive 55-foot operational radius from the power outlet. We were able to wash an entire sedan, walking all the way around it, without ever having to move the base unit. As one long-term owner stated, “One of my favorite features is it has a 35 foot power cord so I don’t need to bust out an extra power cord.” This cannot be overstated. It eliminates the hassle of finding a properly rated outdoor extension cord and dramatically speeds up workflow. The “Total Stop System” (TSS) which automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger isn’t engaged, is another fantastic feature. The motor is silent until you squeeze the trigger, saving energy and, more importantly, saving your ears from the constant drone of a gas engine. The only minor ergonomic critique we share with a few users is the lack of a trigger lock, which can lead to some hand fatigue during extended cleaning sessions on a large deck or driveway.

Setup, Safety, and Versatility

Getting the Greenworks washer up and running is a simple, tool-free process. You connect your garden hose to the inlet, the high-pressure hose to the outlet, plug it in, and you’re ready to clean. As mentioned, the only tricky part can be that initial connection of the wand to the gun handle, which requires a firm push-and-twist motion. Once you do it the first time, it becomes second nature. Safety is clearly a priority for Greenworks. The unit is CSA Certified, and the power cord features a large, integrated GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) plug. This is a non-negotiable safety feature for any tool that mixes electricity and water, as it will instantly cut power in the event of an electrical fault, preventing serious injury. We tested it, and it works flawlessly.

Out of the box, the versatility is good, not great. You get the 25° and 40° nozzles for general cleaning. You also get a “SOAP APPLICATOR,” which is a low-pressure nozzle attached to a small bottle. It works by siphoning soap from the bottle and creating a sudsy spray. While it’s functional for applying a thin layer of car wash soap or deck cleaner, it doesn’t produce the thick, clinging foam of a dedicated foam cannon. Herein lies the product’s hidden superpower: its universal fittings. As one technically-minded user pointed out, the unit uses standard M22 15mm and 1/4″ quick-connect fittings. This means it’s fully compatible with a vast aftermarket of pressure washer accessories. You can easily upgrade to a professional foam cannon for car washing or a surface cleaner attachment for driveways, dramatically expanding the machine’s capabilities. This forward-thinking compatibility ensures the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM isn’t just a tool, but a platform you can build on.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own test results, we turned to a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience lined up with the broader public. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Many users express pleasant surprise, with comments like, “It’s stronger than I thought” and “Powerful little machine.” The value proposition is a recurring theme, with one user noting, “This paid for itself the first time I used it.” Its suitability for specific tasks is frequently praised, particularly for cars, with one reviewer calling it an “Excellent 1600PSI LOW Pressure Washer… good pressure for car wash use.”

The criticisms we found were consistent and mirrored our own minor gripes. The most common complaint revolves around the assembly, specifically connecting the wand. One user detailed their frustration, saying it “was very difficult to assemble… finally a stroke of luck pushed in harder and got it in.” This confirms our experience that the manual could be clearer on this point. A few others mentioned the desire for a trigger lock to reduce hand strain during prolonged use, with one suggesting a “way to lock the handle into place… would make this product perfect.” Overall, the consensus is clear: for its intended purpose of light-to-medium residential cleaning, the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM delivers exceptional performance and convenience for its price.

Accessorize and Enhance: Top Add-Ons For Your Pressure Washer

The Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM is a fantastic standalone tool, but its standard fittings mean you can unlock even more cleaning power with the right accessories. These aren’t direct competitors, but rather powerful upgrades that can transform your workflow.

1. Westinghouse Universal Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner

If you found yourself nodding along when we mentioned that cleaning a large driveway with a standard nozzle takes time, this is the accessory for you. A surface cleaner attachment like this 15-inch model from Westinghouse connects directly to your pressure washer wand. It contains two high-pressure, spinning jets under a circular housing. This allows you to clean large, flat surfaces like driveways, patios, and decks up to four times faster than a nozzle alone, and it provides a more uniform, streak-free finish. It’s the perfect upgrade for homeowners with significant hardscaping to maintain.

2. M MINGLE Snow Foam Lance 4000 PSI Foam Cannon Kit

For the serious car detailing enthusiast, the included soap applicator on the Greenworks is just a starting point. A dedicated foam cannon like this M MINGLE kit is the ultimate upgrade. It mixes the soap concentrate with the high-pressure water stream and air to create a thick, shaving-cream-like foam that clings to your vehicle’s surface. This “snow foam” encapsulates dirt and grit, lifting it away from the paint to be safely rinsed off, dramatically reducing the risk of swirl marks and scratches during a hand wash. This kit turns a simple car wash into a professional-level detailing experience.

3. Westinghouse 16.5″ Surface Cleaner Attachment

This is the bigger, more robust sibling to the 15-inch model. The Westinghouse 16.5″ Surface Cleaner offers a wider cleaning path and a durable stainless steel construction designed for even faster results and longer life. While the Greenworks washer is on the lower end of the power spectrum for an attachment this large, it can still operate it effectively for residential tasks. This is best suited for users with very large driveways or those who want the most efficient and heavy-duty tool for cleaning expansive flat surfaces, ensuring the job gets done in record time.

The Final Verdict: A Must-Have for the Modern Homeowner

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM is an outstanding piece of equipment that punches well above its weight class. It strikes a perfect balance between power, portability, and price. It isn’t designed to be an industrial paint stripper, and it won’t magically erase 20-year-old oil stains from your garage floor. But for the vast majority of cleaning tasks facing the average homeowner—washing cars, revitalizing decks and patios, cleaning siding, and sprucing up outdoor furniture—it is an absolute champion. Its lightweight design, exceptionally long power cord, and quiet, reliable electric motor remove nearly all the traditional hassles associated with pressure washing.

It’s the kind of tool that, once you own it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. If you’re tired of back-breaking scrubbing and want to restore the clean, crisp look of your home and vehicle with minimal effort, this is the tool for you. For its performance, ease of use, and incredible value, it earns our highest recommendation. Don’t let another season of grime build up; we highly recommend you check out the Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM and reclaim your home’s curb appeal today.