Influencer Speaks Out After She’s Slammed for Washing Underwear in Hotel Coffee Maker

Tara Woodcox, a fitness coach and influencer, has found herself at the centre of a social media storm following a viral video in which she suggested an unconventional method for cleaning dirty underwear using hotel coffee makers. The TikTok clip, which was posted on 9 November 2025, attracted widespread attention and a fair amount of criticism from viewers who deemed the advice unsanitary.

In her original post, Woodcox described what she called “one of the coolest tricks ever.” She advised her followers who might not have packed enough underwear for their travels to utilise the coffee maker found in their hotel rooms as a makeshift washing device. “You close it, you press brew, and it puts scorching hot water through it,” she explained, adding that travellers could use a hairdryer to dry the garment afterward. Her comments were met with astonishment by some, who were quick to question the hygiene of such a practice.

The video, which quickly garnered over 3,600 likes and has been viewed by hundreds of thousands of users, sparked a wave of backlash. Some commenters expressed disbelief at what they felt was a reckless suggestion. One social media creator remarked, “Why did I just see a woman washing her underwear in a hotel coffee machine? Why would you do that?” Another user expressed concern for future hotel stays, stating, “Now, every time that I stay at a hotel room with a coffee maker, I’m going to have to wonder, ‘Did someone wash their panties in that?’”

In light of the backlash, Woodcox attempted to clarify her remarks. In a subsequent video that resurfaced from 2023, she had stated that she would “never” use a hotel coffee maker due to the potential for hygiene issues. “Does anyone else not use their coffee maker in their hotel room because of the gross stuff that you don’t know what happens in there?” she had questioned at the time. This contradiction has led some to feel misled by her advice.

Responding to the negative reactions, Woodcox took to Instagram on 23 February to defend herself. “I’ve never actually done that — but this is really funny, you guys,” she laughed, trying to downplay the situation. She disclosed that the cleaning tip was something she had “heard from a friend,” implying that her intent was not to promote the practice but rather to share a humorous anecdote.

“I did not realise how many people already knew this hack,” Woodcox stated in her video, highlighting her surprise at the level of attention the tip had received. She acknowledged the numerous emails and comments she was receiving about the matter, further asserting that her original intention was to caution viewers about using hotel coffee makers rather than to suggest an actual cleaning method.

Adding to her reflections on the subject, Woodcox stated that she has “never been into” hotel coffee pod machines, citing concerns over their cleanliness. “They’re dirty and I don’t think the hotel cleans them,” she reiterated, perhaps hinting at her own reservations about hygiene when it comes to in-room appliances.

The controversy serves as a reminder of the potential consequences that can arise from sharing unconventional advice on social media. While influencers like Woodcox often share tips and tricks in an effort to connect with their audiences, the response to her video illustrates that what may seem like a harmless suggestion to one person can be met with confusion or disgust by others.

As the debate over her advice continues, the incident has ignited conversation about travel hygiene and the cleanliness of hotel amenities. For now, Woodcox appears to be taking the uproar in stride, using it as an opportunity for engagement with her followers, even as many remain sceptical of her washing suggestion.