A reader sent me this email today: “Have you seen this or heard anything similar? Glad most hotels have replaced the old coffeemakers with Keurig type machines.” — John L.
The link was to a story on Fodor’s, highlighting an Instagram post from a few months ago: Fodor’s story. In the post (embedded below), a content creator claiming to be a fitness and nutrition coach shared a so-called “travel hack.” Inspired by a flight attendant, she suggested using hotel room coffee makers to drip boiled water over underwear as a cleaning method, then drying them with a hair dryer.
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Let me be clear: this is a terrible idea. It’s unsanitary, unsafe, and something you should never attempt. Even if it sounds like a “hack,” some hacks are better left ignored. And I’m far from the only one who thinks this way. Here are some of the top comments from her post:
@horsehappy18: “Not brilliant. Let’s bring back having consideration for others! Make that cool again.”
@janellenichole_baker: “I’m shocked this video hasn’t been deleted… This is so unsettling. Please delete this video.”
@jalax0727: “If I were you… I would take this down. It gives not-so-smart people a bad idea. Unsanitary and disgusting.”
@lucylu_879: “Why not wash them in the sink with hot water and soap and dry them with the dryer? This has to be a joke, right?”
I responded with a TikTok from a former hotel manager who explained why using hotel Keurigs and kettles is a bad idea (embedded below the transcript):
“Yes, as a former hotel manager and avid coffee drinker, I will not use the Keurigs in a hotel room. The tube inside never gets fully clean, and you never know what other substances might have been brewed. On top of that, I avoid refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles in tubs because anyone can put anything in them. I only use products that are sealed and locked for refill.”
@melly_creations Replying to @sodickstracted As a former hotel manager here are additional items I won’t use. #hotels #hotelstay #dontuse #advice ♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) (Sped Up Version) – FIFTY FIFTY
While I love travel hacks, this one is not worth trying. My wife, a tea drinker, also refuses to use hotel kettles for all the reasons listed above. Instead, she invested in a portable travel kettle. It’s been a game-changer: she can make tea anytime, boil water for kids’ ramen noodles or oatmeal and avoid spending money at cafes. A small investment saves time, money and stress and gives peace of mind while traveling. If you’re interested, here’s the travel kettle she uses, along with other options:
Moral of the story: Keep your coffee makers for coffee and let your underwear stay out of hotel appliances.
JEEZE!! What are we coming to? The older I get, the more I shake my head….