If you’ve ever stood puzzled in front of your Hotpoint washing machine wondering “Where is the filter on a hotpoint washing machine hiding?”, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself, and trust me, it’s not always obvious.

Locating the filter is the first essential step before you can clean it properly—or even understand what might be going wrong with your washer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to spot the filter on your Hotpoint washing machine, especially if you’re in the UK where front-loading models are most common.

Why Should I Care About the Filter on My Hotpoint Washing Machine?

The filter on a Hotpoint washing machine is a small area but an important part of your washer.

It’s designed to catch fluff, lint, coins, hairpins, and other debris that can sneak into the drum of the washer during a wash cycle.

While the cleaning process is a whole topic on its own, it all starts with simply knowing where the filter is.

Missing this step can lead to drainage issues, unpleasant smells, or even error messages on the machine.

What Exactly Is the Filter and What Does It Do?

In simple terms, the washing machine filter acts as a barrier between the wash drum and the drain pump.

Its job is to trap any foreign objects or debris that might damage the pump or block the drain hose.

On most Hotpoint front-loading washers, this filter is manually accessible, allowing you to remove and clean it when needed.

So, if you’re experiencing any performance issues or just doing a bit of preventive checking, knowing where the filter is located is key.

Where Is the Filter on a Hotpoint Washing Machine?

Here’s the answer you’ve been searching for: The filter on most Hotpoint washing machines is located at the bottom front of the unit, behind a flap or kick-strip.

This is especially true for front-loading models, which are the most popular in UK households.

Let’s break it down further.

Identifying the Filter on Front-Loading Hotpoint Models

If you have a front-loading Hotpoint washer (which you likely do in the UK), follow these steps to find the filter:

• Have a look at the bottom front panel of your washing machine.
• Spot a small square or rectangular flap, typically on the right-hand side.
• Use your fingers to open the flap or gently insert a flathead screwdriver if it’s a bit stiff.
• Behind the flap, you’ll find the drain pump filter cap, which usually looks like a round dial or plug.

Tip: Place a towel underneath before opening the cap, as a small amount of water may spill out.

The filter cover panel is sometimes designed to blend in, so don’t be surprised if it’s hard to spot at first glance.

Locating the Filter on Top-Loading Hotpoint Models

Top-loading Hotpoint washing machines are less common in the UK, but if you have one, the filter might be in a different place. Here’s what to check:

• The filter might be placed at the backside of the machine, behind a removable rear panel.
• You’ll likely need a screwdriver to open the panel & you can access the filter.
• Some older top-load models even have a lint trap inside the drum or under the agitator—though this is rare in Hotpoint units sold in the UK.

Your best bet is to refer to the Hotpoint user manual specific to your model for clarity.

How Do I Know I’ve Found the Filter?

You’ll recognise the filter by its round shape and removable cap. It often sits next to the drain hose and is sometimes labelled.

If you’ve removed the flap & found a circular dial or plug, you’ve likely found the Hotpoint washer filter.

It may have grooves for gripping, and once you unscrew it, you’ll typically see trapped lint, debris, or even small objects like coins inside.

But again, don’t open it just yet if you’re not ready to clean—it can release water.

When you’re ready to clean it, jump over to my full filter cleaning guide here – I cover it step-by-step.

Quick Comparison Table: Filter Location by Hotpoint Model Type

Here’s a quick reference to help you identify where the filter is based on your machine type:

Model Type	Filter Location	How to Access	Tools Needed
Front-Loading	Bottom front panel	Open kick-strip/flap	None or flathead screwdriver
Top-Loading (if any)	Rear panel (occasionally)	Remove screws on back	Screwdriver
Integrated/Compact	Behind plinth or base cover	Unscrew baseboard if needed	None or basic tools

Conclusion: Here’s Exactly Where to Find the Filter

So, where is the filter on a Hotpoint washing machine? In most UK models—especially the popular front-loaders—you’ll find it behind the small flap at the bottom front of the appliance.

It’s easy to miss, but once you know where to look, it takes just seconds to access.

When you’re ready to clean it, don’t forget to visit my detailed guide to cleaning the filter.

Keeping your filter clean not only helps your machine run more efficiently, but it can also save you from bigger repair costs down the road.