Tracee Ellis Ross’ new video shows how she washes underwear in hotel sinks [VIDEO]

Tracee Ellis Ross’ Hotel Laundry Hack Turns Heads and Starts Conversations

This week, beloved Black-ish star and Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross revealed an intimate detail about her life. During a candid interview at Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Summit in New York City, she shared her biggest travel hack. Surprising fans by revealing she only travels with 2 pairs of underwear during trips. The comment went viral.

Now, she’s showing fans a step by step tutorial on how she washes her 2 pairs. Tracee posted a candid Instagram video demonstrating how she washes her underwear in a hotel sink. The clip quickly went viral, with fans praising her practical, no-frills approach to travel hygiene.

Her resourceful tutorial struck a chord—not just because of who she is, but because of the relatability behind the act. In a world obsessed with curated travel aesthetics and luxury experiences, Tracee reminded us that sometimes, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. This piece unpacks her viral moment with substance and style.

From TV Icon to Beauty Mogul: Tracee Ellis Ross’ Career Highlights

Born October 29, 1972, Tracee Ellis Ross is the daughter of music legend Diana Ross, but she carved her own legacy. Her breakout role as Joan Clayton in Girlfriends (2000–2008) established her as a comedy powerhouse. She later starred in Black-ish (2014–2022), winning a Golden Globe in 2017 and earning five Emmy nominations.

Ross is also the founder of Pattern Beauty, a $100 million haircare brand that caters to curly and coily textures. She’s acted in The High Note (2020), executive produced Mixed-ish, and remains a staple on red carpets and social media. With over 11 million Instagram followers, she continues to blend luxury with relatability.

Inside the Tracee Ellis Ross Laundry Hack

In the viral Instagram video, Tracee shows herself using hotel shampoo and hot water to hand-wash a pair of black underwear in the bathroom sink. “I’m on the road a lot, so I make do,” she says, scrubbing and rinsing with a smile.

She ends the video by laying the item out on a towel to dry—something every seasoned traveler knows is key to avoiding musty smells and mildew. Viewed over 2 million times, the tutorial inspired comments like, “Tracee’s keeping it real,” and “She’s out here teaching us survival skills.”

Why This Unexpected Moment Resonates

Fans aren’t just laughing—they’re learning. Ross’ hack is a reminder that wealth and celebrity don’t negate practicality. Her approach promotes sustainability, minimalism, and hygiene—three things every traveler should care about.

And let’s be honest: There’s something comforting in seeing a glamorous celebrity do something so down-to-earth. Whether you’re staying at a 5-star resort or a roadside motel, clean underwear is non-negotiable.

Sink Washing and Silk Robes: Tracee’s Effortless Travel Style

Tracee’s underwear video wasn’t just a hygiene lesson—it was a masterclass in laid-back glamour. Filmed in a silk robe with a messy bun and fresh face, she proved that elegance doesn’t need to be performative.

Known for her bold, expressive fashion, Ross has worn everything from Gucci gowns to Balmain couture. Her 2025 Met Gala appearance in a custom beaded Balmain dress went viral, earning over 500,000 likes. Still, she isn’t afraid to show her stripped-down self, towel-drying her lingerie in a hotel bathroom.

For fans, Tracee’s video is another example of how she balances aspirational living with authenticity.

Smart, Stylish, and Sustainable: Travel Hygiene Tips Inspired by Tracee

Ross’ sink-washing moment highlights a crucial part of travel often overlooked: hygiene. According to experts, undergarments should be cleaned daily on long trips to prevent infection and skin irritation.

Using shampoo or body wash—as Tracee does—is a safe, gentle alternative to detergent when traveling. Air-drying over towels in a ventilated space avoids mildew buildup. For added ease, travel pros recommend bringing a portable clothesline, quick-dry underwear, and zippered laundry bags.

Her hack isn’t just relatable—it’s environmentally friendly. By hand-washing and air-drying, Tracee skips the hotel laundry service and cuts back on water waste and energy use.

Celebrity Travel Hacks That Actually Work

Tracee isn’t the only celebrity sharing travel wisdom. Stars often have clever ways of staying fresh and organized while on the move:

• Chrissy Teigen swears by Ziploc bags for organizing snacks and toiletries.
• Kerry Washington organizes her outfits by packing cubes.
• Beyoncé’s glam team carries a portable steamer to keep tour outfits wrinkle-free.

Tracee’s new addition to the celebrity hack canon is practical, affordable, and realistic—an empowering contrast to jet-setting luxury content.

The Internet Reacts: “Tracee Is So Real for This”

Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with reactions:

• “Tracee washing her underwear in the sink is so real.”
• “She’s the rich auntie we need—clean and clever.”
• “Who needs hotel laundry when you have shampoo?”

While a few skeptics joked, “Can’t she just use room service?” the overwhelming majority applauded her honesty. Influencers reposted the video with their own takes, further boosting its visibility.

Her post has since become a conversation starter about hygiene, sustainability, and keeping it real in the age of filters.

What You Can Take From Tracee’s Viral Moment

Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or attending a wedding in Vegas, Tracee Ellis Ross’ hotel sink hack is a reminder that luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about knowing how to care for yourself.

For fans, it’s another reason to love her. For travelers, it’s a helpful tip that could save you time and money. For eco-conscious consumers, it’s a small but impactful step toward sustainability.

In short: Tracee gave us a glimpse into her routine, and in doing so, reminded us that being practical never goes out of style.

Final Thoughts: Tracee Teaches Us More Than Fashion

Tracee Ellis Ross has always been known for her talent and style, but in 2025, she’s also known for giving the most glamorous lesson in hotel laundry ever posted. Her viral moment proves that the best hacks are often the simplest—and that real luxury lies in confidence, resourcefulness, and a little bit of shampoo.