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A travel influencer has faced backlash across social media platforms after sharing a controversial "hack" for cleaning garments while staying in hotels
The influencer addressed the common travel mishap of failing to pack sufficient undergarments; however, her proposed solution — using the communal coffee machine as a makeshift washing unit — has been described by many as a significant health risk.
The video, which originally appeared on TikTok, features the woman seated beside a standard hotel coffee maker while explaining a technique she allegedly learned from a flight attendant.
She suggests that travellers who find themselves short on clean laundry should place their soiled underwear directly into the compartment usually reserved for coffee grounds.
According to her instructions, the user should then initiate the brewing cycle to allow "scorching hot water" to pass through the fabric. To complete the process, she advises using the hotel's hairdryer to dry the garment, claiming the result is a clean pair ready for the following day.
The Internet's response was swift and overwhelmingly negative, with many users expressing genuine horror at the potential for cross-contamination
Commenters questioned whether such actions should be classified as a risk to public safety, while others pointed out several more hygienic alternatives.
They also said that guests should simply purchase new garments, wash their clothes in the sink or during a shower, or practice better preparation when packing.
The sentiment that "biohazard behaviour" has no place in shared accommodation was echoed by thousands of viewers, many of whom vowed never to use a hotel coffee machine again.
Health experts and scientific publications have raised legitimate concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of this method
While a guest might assume the water temperature is sufficient to disinfect the machine, researchers note that this is often a misconception.
Many pathogens — including the highly resilient norovirus — can survive the moderate temperatures typically produced by domestic or hotel-grade brewing equipment.
Furthermore, for sterilisation to be effective, pathogens must be exposed to high heat for a sustained duration; the rapid flow of water through a filter system does not meet these criteria.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for Malaysian travellers to exercise caution when using appliances in temporary accommodation
Experts suggest that, regardless of a hotel's prestige or price point, guests should inspect in-room amenities before use.
There is no guarantee that previous occupants have adhered to standard hygiene protocols, and the misuse of such items can lead to the spread of bacteria or viruses.
