Washing Machine Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes for Common Problems

We recommend you check that your cold water supply is on. This is a common cause of your appliance failing to fill on the ‘rinse’ cycle and will result in your Hotpoint washing machine stopping mid-cycle.

On some newer Hotpoint washing machines this is indicated by using either a tap symbol or a flashing light, to advise there is a water supply issue.

Finally in some cases failure to position the drain hose at the correct height may also lead to problems of your appliance stopping mid-cycle. Check your instruction manual on how to position the drain hose correctly.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

Many of our newer Hotpoint washing machine have a series of indicator lights, which flash to indicate a possible fault. The most common are:

Pre wash light flashing

Indicates that the Hotpoint washing machine is failing to fill correctly. Check your fill hoses to make sure they are turned on correctly. It is also worth checking for any blockages, leaks or kinks in the fill hose pipe.

Wash light flashing

Indicates that your programme dial has been moved from its original position. Simply returning the wash dial to its original position will restore the light to its original status.

Spin light flashing

Indicates that the Hotpoint washing machine has considered the wash load to be excessive or unbalanced. We would recommend removing the clothes, redistributing the load evenly and retry the spin cycle to resolve this.

End light flashing

Indicates that the Hotpoint washing machine has reached the end of a wash programme.

If the wash, rinse and spin function lights all flash at the same time, this would indicate a possible blockage in your filter or waste / drain pipe.

We recommend checking your user manual as all models vary – you can also download your user manual manuals.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

Your Hotpoint washing machine has an in-built feature to prevent it spinning with an unbalanced load.

The appliance will try to redistribute the load to achieve balance, however, if it remains unstable the spin process will be aborted. This will minimise excessive vibration and prolong the life of your machine.

Some Hotpoint washing machine models are fitted with a ‘Final Spin’ indicator light, to advise you that the load is unbalanced.

On other models you may notice the clothes are still soaking when you attempt to remove them from the drum. In this instance, we would recommend removing the clothes, redistributing the load evenly and then reselecting a spin programme.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

Check that the socket your Hotpoint washing machine is connected to is live by plugging in and testing another piece of equipment such as a radio.

Your Hotpoint washing machine comes fitted with a 13 amp plug and lead, please ensure that the correct rating of fuse is being used.

If you are using an extension lead you might want to try testing your machine with a different one.

Always ensure that your on/off or start switch is in the correct position and that the door is closed firmly at the 3 o’clock position.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

If your Hotpoint washing machine empties into the waste system under the sink, please ensure that the connection to the sink plumbing is clear from any blockages; such as a build up of food deposit or fat. It is also important to check the drain hose to ensure this is not blocked, kinked or bent as this can prevent the water draining out of your Hotpoint washing machine.

If your appliance empties into a stand-pipe, ensure the drain hose is not pushed in by more than 4 inches.

Finally, check the “crease care” or “rinse hold” options are not selected, as using either of the options will hold the washing in the final rinse water on synthetic wash programmes.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

If your Hotpoint washing machine appears noisy or unstable when using it for the first time it’s possible the installation has not been completed properly.

Please ensure the protective brackets or bolts (used for transportation) have all been removed before using your washing machine. You can keep them should you wish to transport your appliance again in the future.

Full instructions on how to do this can usually be found on the first few pages of your user handbook – user manuals are also available to download manuals.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

As part of the manufacturing process we thoroughly test your washing machine to ensure that it will not leak from any internal components after you have installed it.

Any leaking before or during its first use is most likely due to water still remaining in the washing machine following this testing process.

Further checks can be easily carried out. Firstly, we would recommend checking the fill hose, drain hose and mains plumbing for leaks. Take care to check the fill hose connection to your washing machine and to the mains plumbing (taps) are secure.

It’s also possible for a leak to appear from your detergent dispenser, which can be caused by excessive water pressure or the washing machine has not been levelled properly during installation. You can raise the front of the appliance by adjusting the feet at the front of the machine.

We would also recommend double checking the water supply hose connections (at both ends) as well as checking the drain hose during the pump out process.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

Hotpoint tumble dryers are designed to be fitted onto the top of some of our Hotpoint washing machines. This stacking process must only be completed using one of our genuine stacking kits.

To establish exactly which stacking kit you require or to purchase, call our spare parts department on 0344 822 4224 or visit our spare parts online store.

There are a number of reasons that could cause your washing machine to smell. The most common causes are:

Consistent washing at low temperatures – means that bacteria and undissolved detergents can build up, causing your machine to smell.

We would recommend running your machine at 90 degrees using some biological detergent to help destroy the build up of bacteria and detergents. You can also run a 90 degree service wash monthly using our Limescale which will hygienically clean your machine, and prevent the smell reoccurring.

For additional laundry maintenance and care products, click here. If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

Please note it is quite normal for a small amount of water or conditioner to remain in the fabric conditioner compartment at the end of each wash cycle.

If your machine fails to remove the fabric conditioner from the appropriate compartment, it is likely there is a blockage within the detergent dispenser itself.

We recommend you remove the detergent dispenser drawer and clean using hot soapy water to remove any blockages and re-try the wash process. It is possible a partial blockage was caused from some unused conditioner.

Remember some concentrated conditioners need to be diluted by mixing them with water prior to the start of the programme.

Finally check that the feet are level and the Hotpoint washing machine is not too low at the front as this could prevent the fabric conditioner being rinsed away.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

To achieve the perfect wash make sure you select the correct programme, and then add the recommended amount of detergent.

Take care not to overload your Hotpoint washing machine as this will produce poor wash results due to an inability of the appliance to effectively dissolve the detergent.

Try re-washing garments on the correct programme ensuring that an adequate amount of detergent is used.

Check to make sure that the economy or quick wash option (if available) is not being used on heavily soiled items. You may also find that heavily soiled items need a pre-wash cycle beforehand to ensure maximum freshness and the best wash results.

For further advice we recommend checking your user manual – you can also download your user manual here. If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.

Modern washing machines are designed to use less water, which means the appliance launders the clothes more – resulting in longer wash cycles. For approximate programme times, please see your user manual, which you can download manuals. 

It is also possible that the load detection system has detected an imbalanced wash load, the machine will then attempt to correct this by redistributing the load during the wash cycle.

We recommend you wash large and small items together to prevent this issue occurring. All of our latest Hotpoint washing machines are designed to give optimum wash results whilst also reducing the impact on the environment by using the minimum required amount of water and energy.

If you need further assistance please call Hotpoint customer service on 0344 822 4224.