Abroad
US influencer slammed for 'travel hack' video showing how to wash underwear in hotel coffee makers
Many commenters expressed a mix of disgust and moral disappointment.
February 25, 2026, 02:37 AM
A social media influencer in the United States has come under fire after sharing instructions on washing one's undergarments in hotel rooms while travelling.
In an Instagram video, Tara Woodcox said she learned the "hack", which involves using kettles in hotel rooms, from a friend who was a flight attendant.
"Endorsed" washing in hotel kettles
In the clip, Woodcox told viewers and those who did not pack "enough underwear" that they could consider using the coffee pots in hotel rooms.
"Every room has a coffee pot thing in it. All you have to do is put your underwear where you put the coffee grounds, you close it, you press brew and it puts scorching hot water through it," she said while crouching in front of a coffee maker.
Woodcox then lifted a pouch labelled "hair dryer" and suggested that guests could use the appliance, typically provided in hotel rooms, to dry their laundry.
"You blow-dry those bad boys and you've got yourself a cleaner pair of underwear to wear," she added.
Woodcox said she "did not realise" how many people "already knew this hack", claiming that she had learned it "years ago" from a friend who was a flight attendant.
"And it's brilliant," she quipped before ending the clip.
Responses
Woodcox was condemned after the video surfaced, with many commenters expressing disgust and moral disappointment, as well as concerns for their health.
One user called for a return to "having consideration for others," suggesting the video encouraged behaviour that is selfish or harmful to future hotel guests.
Another user described the video as "unsettling" and expressed genuine concern for the health of anyone who might "catch something" as a result of Woodcox's actions or advice.
Screenshot via @tarawoodcox11 on Instagram.
Others explicitly stated they would "never use a hotel room coffee maker again", with some noting they thought Woodcox had more "common sense".
Screenshot via @tarawoodcox11 on Instagram.
Top photos via @tarawoodcox11/Instagram
