Hi
You have to undo the plastic panel at the back of the Hotpoint, inside this there is a black sump hose, loosen the jubilee clip on this and the filter is inside, empty filter,then tighten jubilee clip back on, ensure that it is tightly fitted or your machine will flood. Don't turn your machine on its side or water may leak into the circuit board and blow it. Just tilt machine back resting it on something or keep machine upright, although it can be awkward to access, bit fiddly. Hotpoint are a nuisance for this, try it make it unaccessible to the consumer. Best bet next time is to buy one with an accessible filter.
Your drain - ubend my have some blockage or your drain hose may be at the wrong angle and dirty water draining back in.
Hope this helps.
Dee, January 2009