Travel TikToker Washes Underwear in Hotel Coffee Maker

The viral video has sparked backlash over the unsanitary practice.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A TikTok user named @tarawoodcox11 posted a video showing how she uses a hotel coffee maker to clean her underwear when traveling and doesn't have enough clean clothes. The video has gone viral, with many people expressing disgust over the unsanitary practice that could contaminate the coffee maker for future guests.

Why it matters

Using a hotel coffee maker to wash underwear raises serious hygiene concerns, as it can lead to the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that could make future guests sick. This practice highlights the importance of properly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas in hotel rooms to ensure guest safety.

The details

In the TikTok video, @tarawoodcox11 is seen placing her underwear in the coffee maker's brew basket and running a brew cycle to clean them. She then uses the hotel's hair dryer to dry the underwear. The TikToker claims she learned this "hack" from a flight attendant friend years ago. However, many social media users have condemned the practice, calling it "beyond gross" and "disgusting and selfish." Experts warn that the hot water in the coffee maker may not be hot enough or run long enough to properly disinfect the machine, and that any bodily fluids or matter from the underwear could contaminate the coffee maker for future users.

  • The TikTok video was posted in February 2026.

The players

@tarawoodcox11

A TikTok user who posted a video showing how she uses a hotel coffee maker to clean her underwear when traveling.

@eaglesfan215prime

An Instagram user who condemned the practice as "the most nastiest thing you ever heard" and said "using a hotel coffee mug to wash your dirty underwear is just criminal."

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What they’re saying

“Lock this woman up and throw away the key because is this not the most nastiest thing you ever heard because using a hotel coffee mug to wash your dirty underwear is just criminal. There is something called hand washing.”

— @eaglesfan215prime (Instagram)

“I did not realize how many people already knew this hack. I learnt it years ago from a friend that was a flight attendant.”

— @tarawoodcox11 (TikTok)

What’s next

Experts recommend that hotel guests thoroughly clean and disinfect high-touch areas in their rooms, including coffee makers, before use to ensure their safety.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards in hotels and the need for guests to be vigilant about cleaning their surroundings, as some travelers may engage in unsanitary practices that could put others at risk.