A social media trend encouraging the use of hotel coffee machines for laundering undergarments has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about hygiene standards in hospitality. The controversy began after Tara Woodcock, a fitness coach and influencer, posted a video demonstrating the method on TikTok, quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of views.
Woodcock’s video, initially shared in November 2023, showed her inserting a soiled garment into the filter area of a hotel coffee maker and running a brewing cycle, claiming the resulting hot water would effectively “wash” the item. She then suggested drying the clothing with a hairdryer. The clip quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism for its unsanitary nature.
However, the situation escalated when social media users unearthed a previous video from 2023 in which Woodcock explicitly warned against using hotel coffee machines, citing concerns about others reportedly using them to wash clothing. In that earlier video, she expressed a strong aversion to the practice, deeming it unhygienic. This apparent contradiction fueled further backlash against the influencer.
Woodcock subsequently posted a follow-up video attempting to clarify her position, stating she had never personally used the method. Despite the retraction, the initial video continued to circulate, prompting a broader discussion about the cleanliness of hotel amenities. Concerns have been raised regarding the hygiene of frequently touched items such as bed linens, cups, and remote controls.
The incident has prompted a wave of negative reactions online, with many users expressing disgust and vowing to avoid using hotel coffee machines altogether. “Now I’ll always wonder if someone washed their underwear in the hotel coffee maker,” one user commented, reflecting a common sentiment.
The MBC News in South Korea reported on the controversy on February 27, 2026, highlighting the rapid spread of the trend and the subsequent backlash. The report noted that the incident has reignited debate about the overall cleanliness of hotel rooms and the potential for unsanitary practices by guests.
As of February 27, 2026, no official statement has been released by major hotel chains regarding the incident or any plans to address the potential hygiene risks associated with the trend.