Washing machine leaking from the door (Hotpoint, Indesit & Beko)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
Water pooling at the bottom of the door, or dripping from underneath, on a Hotpoint, Indesit or Beko machine is almost always one of two things: an overloaded drum stopping the door seal closing fully, or a build-up of detergent/fabric softener residue on the rubber door seal (the “gasket”) stopping it sealing properly.
What to check first
- Open the door and run your finger around the full circle of the black rubber door seal, folding back the lip — check for coins, hair grips, or a build-up of grey sludge (this is very common and is dried detergent, not mould, though it can grow mould if left).
- Wipe the whole seal clean with a damp cloth and a little white vinegar or washing machine cleaner, including underneath the folded lip where debris collects.
- Reduce your load size slightly next wash — overloading is the single biggest cause of door seal leaks, as it stops the door compressing the seal evenly.
- Check you’re not using too much detergent — modern machines need far less than older top-loaders; overdosing causes excess suds that can force their way past the seal.
When to call an engineer
If the seal is clean, the load isn’t oversized, and it’s still leaking from the same spot every time, the seal itself may be split or perished — this is a routine, inexpensive part replacement for an engineer, but does require removing the front panel.