Hotpoint is known for reliability and normally beeps to indicate a cycle is complete. However, occasionally Hotpoint washing machines beep randomly and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. 

Your Hotpoint Washing machine may be beeping due to a circuit board glitch, it may be in need of an auto-clean, or the filter and detergent tray need cleaning. Also, try pressing the ‘delay’ button whilst the machine is beeping which can temporarily fix the issue. 

Don’t panic if your Hotpoint washing machine beeps. This is a common problem and doesn’t always indicate serious issues. I’ll take you through the exact troubleshooting steps to stop your Hotpoint washing machine from making that annoying beeping noise. 

understanding why your Hotpoint Washing Machine is Beeping

Hotpoint washing machines can beep for a number of reasons, but some specific beeping is normal: 

• Hotpoint washing machines beep at the end of the cycle to signify it’s complete. 
• Hotpoint washing machines can beep after the main spin towards the end of the cycle to notify it’s now in ‘anti-crease mode’ and the drum keeps turning intermittently to stop laundry from getting creased. 

Other beeps typically mean something is wrong. Your machine may beep because it’s overloaded, unbalanced, needs to be cleaned, or has hardware malfunctions. Diagnosing and addressing any beeps as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further damage.

It’s also worth mentioning Hotpoint recalled some washing machines manufactured between 2007 and 2009 due to an overheating problem (article on BBC). So before jumping into diagnosing the beeping, use the Hotpoint model checker to find out if your machine should be recalled and Hotpoint will repair it or give you a free replacement. 

Let’s look at some of the most common culprits behind Hotpoint washing machine beeps and what you can do about it.

The quick fix: resetting your machine in a few easy steps 

Some Hotpoint washing machines can experience a digital problem causing random beeping to occur. The error could have been caused by an imbalanced load, a power spike, or an interruption in power. Or alternatively, a software glitch could cause random beeping. 

So the first thing that I recommend you do (just like with computers) is to reset your washer. To reset a standard Hotpoint washing machine: 

1. Press and hold the Start/Reset button until you hear three beeps. 
2. Press and hold the Start/Reset button simultaneously with the On/Off button until you hear three more beeps. 

If you have a top-loading washer (equipped with the Hydrowave wash system) then reset your machine like this: 

1. Unplug the Hotpoint power lead for a minute. 
2. Plug it back in then lift and lower the lid 6 times in quick succession (in under 12 seconds). The lid must be raised a minimum of 2” each time, and close the lid properly each time. 

If neither of these methods works to reset, try the old ‘unplug it for a minute and try again’ method! Hopefully hard resetting your machine fixes the annoying beeping but if not move on to the other potential causes. 

a simple trick: Pressing the ‘delay’ button

Having thoroughly read up on Hotpoint washers randomly beeping, many homeowners report that pressing the ‘delay’ button during the cycle may solve the beeping. See if you can press the delay time button whilst the machine is beeping and hopefully your problem is fixed too.  

Many people have tried everything in the rest of this article and the only thing that worked was pressing the delay button! 

My best guess is that pressing the button whilst the machine is beeping relieves some kind of software glitch or circuit board malfunction. The above instructions regarding resetting your machine should have also relieved software errors.  

If neither resetting your machine nor pressing the delay button has had any effect, move on to the next steps. 

your hotpoint Needs an Auto-Clean

Hotpoint has a built-in maintenance feature known as auto-clean. The feature runs a cycle that helps clean the inside of the machine, removing leftover dirt, grime, and detergent. 

Hotpoint recommends the auto-clean function is used every 40 washes. Some models of Hotpoint (or Indesit) will beep three times throughout the wash to indicate a self-clean is required. 

To run an auto-clean follow these instructions: 

1. Switch your machine on. 
2. Press and hold the ‘extra rinse’ button (some models have ‘auto-clean’ next to it). 
3. It will beep and show ‘auto-clean’ on the screen. Remove your finger and your machine will start the auto-clean cycle. 

The auto-clean process typically takes 60-70 minutes to finish and you should run the machine without any clothes in the drum. You should also only add up to 10% of the detergent you normally would for a cycle. 

Here’s a link to the Whirlpool instruction manual (Whirlpool own Hotpoint) if you’d like to understand more. Flick to page 6 for full instructions.  

The Lint Filter or the detergent tray is clogged  

Many Hotpoint washer models include a filter that traps lint, dirt, and other debris. It’s a cylindrical plastic component that typically rests on top of the agitator or the bottom of the machine.

If the lint filter becomes full or dirty, your machine may beep to warn you. The lint filter must be removed and cleaned to resolve the issue. You can use a damp cloth with warm water and mild detergent. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to locate your model’s lint filter and cleaning instructions, however, most filters are located under the bottom tray indicated in the picture below: 

The second thing you should clean is your detergent tray and the drawer that it sits in. Sometimes detergent can be left behind leading to blockages, and this is also a potential cause of the beeping you’re experiencing. 

Remove the drawer by pushing the button lock and pull the drawer fully out (the release can also be to the side of the drawer).

Soak the drawer in warm water to loosen the residue then gently scrub with a brush. Also, scrub the dispenser housing where the drawer was. Finally, also make sure to clean the sensor at the top of the drawer slot. 

is Your Washer Unbalanced?

Washing machines must be on an even surface to work correctly. Newer models may stop wash cycles automatically or fail to start if they sense an uneven surface. Uneven surfaces can cause your machine to beep and, if left unaddressed, damage your unit or prevent it from starting.

These situations require you to adjust the washer’s feet to maintain balance. If your washing machine isn’t flush with the floor you may also notice wobbling during the spin cycle. 

All you have to do is adjust the feet under the machine. Washing machines are heavy so you may need to enlist the help of a friend. 

Remove the washing machine and work from corner to corner to figure out which feet need to be raised. Then have your friend tilt the washer on it’s side so that you can access the feet – screw them clockwise to raise the washer feet. 

Here’s a useful video showing you how to do it: 

The Washer is Damaged

Lastly, If your Hotpoint washing machine is damaged or malfunctioning, it may beep to alert you of the issue. Washing machines typically last 10-13 years, but they can accrue damage and wear out as they age. There may be damage to the sensors, pumps, motors, or other mechanical components.

Whilst it’s difficult to diagnose exactly what may be wrong in your Hotpoint, if your washing machine is beeping all the time through the wash then the fault is likely within the front control board. Grease and oil can get into the circuit board, specifically within a small bit of copper with 3 or 4 prongs on it, and this can cause the beeping. Whilst it is technically possible to clean at home, I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s fiddly and means tampering with the electrics. 

Most Hotpoint washing machines will have a LED panel to display error codes. You can search for the error code in your user manual or online for diagnostics and troubleshooting instructions.

How to Troubleshoot for Various hotpoint washing machines

Troubleshooting your Hotpoint washing machine can save you the time and money you would have spent on a professional. The troubleshooting methods will vary depending on the model, and you can find specific instructions for yours in the owner’s manual or online.

Here are a few troubleshooting methods for the most popular Hotpoint washing machines.

Model 1: Hotpoint WMA

The Hotpoint WMA is a popular model with several features and cycle options. A few of the common problems you can encounter include the following:

• The machine is not spinning: Clogged pump filters and faulty drive belts can prevent the WMA from spinning. To resolve this problem, unplug the unit and remove the filter. Clean the filter and reinsert it. If the problem continues, inspect the drive belt for signs of wear and replace it if necessary.
• The machine is not draining: If your washer doesn’t drain, you may have a blocked drainage system or a broken pump. Unplug the unit and inspect the drainage hose for blockages or kinks. If it’s OK, check the pump for signs of damage and replace it if needed.
• The machine is leaking: Broken door seals or a blocked drain hose can cause your Hotpoint washer to leak. Inspect the door seal for any damage and clean it to resolve this issue. Otherwise, check the drain hose for obstructions and kinks. If both parts are in working condition, check the pump for wear and replace it if necessary.

Model 2: Hotpoint WME

The Hotpoint WME is a popular washing machine for medium-sized families and includes several wash settings. Here are a few of the common problems this model can encounter:

• The machine is not agitating: Motor coupling malfunctions or a worn-out drive belt can prevent your unit from agitating. Unplug the unit and inspect the motor coupling for damage to troubleshoot this. Otherwise, check the drive belt for wear and tear. You must replace either part or contact a professional technician if it is damaged.
• The machine is not filling with water: Your washer may not drain due to broken inlet valves or blocked water supply hoses. Inspect the water supply hose for damage, obstructions, or blockages. If it’s clear, move onto the inlet valve and look for signs of wear. You must replace the inlet valve if it’s damaged.
• The machine makes strange noises: Strange noises can occur due to a broken drum bearing or faulty drive belt. Turn off the unit and look for any damage to the drum bearing. Next, inspect the drive belt for any wear. You must replace either part or contact a professional service technician if it is damaged.

Model 3: Hotpoint Ultima

The Hotpoint Ultima is a high-end unit that offers several features and washes settings. You may encounter some of the following issues if you have this model:

• The machine is not starting: Broken door locks, blown fuses, and power supply problems can prevent your device from starting. Broken door locks must be replaced. Ensure the power supply and outlet are working correctly. Inspect the fuse in the plug for any damage and replace it if necessary.
• The machine displays error codes: Your machine may display error codes due to faulty sensors, broken electronics, or hardware damage. To troubleshoot this, refer to the owner’s manual for the list of error codes. Follow the instructions or contact a professional for further assistance.

It’s crucial to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and safety measures when performing repairs. It’s possible to cause more damage if you don’t have experience. When in doubt, seek out a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.