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Woman shares 'hack' of washing underwear using hotel coffee machine, sparks outrage on X: 'Beyond gross'

The footage, originally shared on TikTok by user @tarawoodcox11 and later reposted on X by @HustleBitch_, shows the content creator describing what she presents as a useful solution for travellers who have not packed enough undergarments.

February 21, 2026 / 12:11 IST
The clip has since fuelled broader discussion about hotel sanitation standards and personal responsibility while travelling.

A video circulating widely on social media has prompted criticism and renewed discussion about hotel hygiene after a traveller demonstrated how she washes underwear using an in-room coffee machine.

The footage, originally shared on TikTok by user @tarawoodcox11 and later reposted on X by @HustleBitch_, shows the content creator describing what she presents as a useful solution for travellers who have not packed enough undergarments.

In the clip, the influencer begins by telling viewers: “I'm about to show you the coolest trick ever.” She explains that the method is intended for situations where someone realises they are short of clean underwear while travelling.

Standing beside a standard hotel coffee maker, she says: “If you are travelling and you didn't pack enough underwear and you are like, what will you wear tomorrow, every room has a coffee pot thing in it.”

She then demonstrates the process step by step. The video shows her placing her underwear into the compartment normally used for coffee grounds, closing the lid and pressing the brew button. As the machine runs, she states: “And you press brew and it puts scorching hot water through it.”

Afterwards, she adds that she uses a hair dryer to complete the drying process.

Later in the recording, she suggests the idea is not recent. “I did not realize how many people already knew this hack. I learnt it years ago from a friend that was a flight attendant,” she says.

The video gained rapid traction across platforms and attracted significant criticism from users who described the practice as unhygienic and inconsiderate towards other hotel guests.

One commenter wrote: “Why are people so selfish, only caring about their own business without thinking about others?”

Another responded: “Seriously, that's beyond gross! Thinking about all the times I've trusted those hotel coffee makers makes my skin crawl. It's crazy how little hotels clean those things between guests, and knowing someone's been running underwear through them? No thanks! From now on, I'm definitely packing my own travel coffee setup. It's way safer and way less disgusting. Honestly, it makes you realize how important it is to be cautious about even the smallest things when traveling.”

A third user commented: “This hack is disgusting and selfish. Many flight attendants say it's an old rumor, but hotel coffee makers are rarely deep-cleaned between guests. Just wash in the sink and hang to dry, much safer for everyone.”

Another questioned the necessity of using the appliance at all, writing: “So soaking your underwear in the ice bucket with shampoo and hot water doesn't work?”

One post read: “That is disgusting! She should be ashamed at what she is filming in order to get likes & money! Washing your underwear by hand in hot water in the tub then letting them dry over the towel bar is what real humans who have consideration for others using the coffee pot would do!”

Additional users criticised the influencer’s approach, with several stating that while hotel room appliances may technically be repurposed, doing so without regard for subsequent occupants is irresponsible.

The clip has since fuelled broader discussion about hotel sanitation standards and personal responsibility while travelling, with many emphasising the importance of considering shared facilities and the impact on future guests.

Shubhi Mishra
first published: Feb 21, 2026 12:09 pm

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