Rodrigo Goulart, a 27-year-old technician from Taubaté, São Paulo, has taken social media by storm by sharing his routine fixing washing machines, amassing nearly 113,000 TikTok followers in just two months. On August 6, 2025, he was featured in an interview with Ana Maria Braga, where he shared the story behind his journey, marked by dreams, personal challenges, and a meteoric rise online. His breakout video, dubbed “Lourinho,” garnered 669,000 views, driven by his technical skill and charisma. The sudden fame sparked humorous comments and even bold fan proposals. His story, which began as a way to fund medical school prep courses, has turned into a digital phenomenon, showing how dedication to work and family support can open unexpected doors.
Rodrigo’s viral success didn’t happen by chance. He started posting short videos showcasing the process of repairing washing machines, blending technical precision with a touch of natural humor. His wife, Beatriz, played a key role by suggesting he share his work on social media, recognizing its engagement potential. The couple, together for nine years and parents to four-year-old Bela, saw his popularity soar quickly.
- Viral video: The “Lourinho” clip highlighted Rodrigo’s technique for cleaning machine drums.
- Engagement: Nearly 113,000 followers in two months, with thousands of likes and comments.
- Family support: Beatriz encouraged his online presence, while Bela is his biggest fan.
The interview with Ana Maria Braga shed light on the story behind his success. Rodrigo revealed he dreamed of studying medicine, but financial struggles and the loss of his father during the pandemic shifted his path, leading him to fully embrace his career as a technician.
@rodrigogoulart_ Eu amo meu trabalha 🫶🏻 Higienização na máquina da dona Maria !! Máquina bem suja mas ficou top. Encurtei bastante o vídeo, só alguns takes desse serviço !! Tem dúvidas sobre os serviços ? Me manda aí. Estou no Instagram também !! Vão lá, direto to abrindo caixinha de perguntas.#fyp #profissao #maquinadelavar #2025 #viral #servico #assistenciatecnica #belezanatural #belezamasculina ♬ som original – ilson music
Path to digital fame
Rodrigo Goulart never imagined that fixing washing machines would make him a social media sensation. He started in the trade to pay for medical school prep courses, but life took him in another direction. His father’s death during the pandemic was a turning point, forcing him to focus on supporting his family. With Beatriz’s support, he turned his work into digital content, which quickly gained traction.
His videos show the step-by-step repair process, with clear explanations and a charismatic touch that captivated audiences. He highlights the importance of each step, from cleaning the drum to replacing parts, making the content accessible even to those unfamiliar with washing machines. His authenticity and laid-back style, often in a t-shirt with tools in hand, won over everyone from homemakers to young people who see him as an example of dedication.
- Exposed routine: Videos show real-time repairs with practical tips.
- Natural charisma: Rodrigo’s simple style connects viewers to technical content.
- Rapid reach: In two months, his videos amassed millions of views.
- Wife’s support: Beatriz films and edits some content, ensuring quality.
Public reactions and social media impact
Rodrigo’s rise on TikTok sparked a wave of humorous comments and even bold declarations. Fans like artist Regina Neri joked about “breaking” their machines to hire the technician, while photographer Luiz Antônio Francisco from Campinas suggested buying a broken machine just to call him. Another follower, Ailec, emphasized the value of manual trades, arguing that artificial intelligence won’t replace professionals like Rodrigo.
The nickname “washer heartthrob” emerged organically in comments, reflecting admiration for both his work and appearance. Despite the fame, Rodrigo stays grounded, responding to followers with humility and humor. He says Beatriz takes the comments in stride, laughing off the more creative messages.
The interview with Ana Maria Braga further boosted his visibility, with clips from the show trending online. Fans praised his story of perseverance and how he turned an ordinary job into something inspiring.
Work routine and refined technique
Rodrigo’s success isn’t just about charisma. His technical skill is the core of his videos. He explains, for instance, how to clean a washing machine drum, a task requiring care to avoid damage. In his videos, he disassembles parts, diagnoses issues, and shares preventive maintenance tips, like avoiding residue buildup.
- Drum cleaning: Removes accumulated dirt to ensure machine efficiency.
- Part replacement: Identifies worn components with precision.
- Preventive maintenance: Teaches how to extend equipment lifespan.
- Simple tools: Uses accessible items, making learning easier.
Rodrigo also emphasizes the importance of understanding how machines work, a skill he honed through a technical course. He stresses that repairs require not just skill but patience and attention to detail, qualities he’s refined over the years.
Deferred dreams and new outlook
Rodrigo’s journey is marked by twists and turns. He spent years trying to get into medical school, but financial barriers stood in the way. The loss of his father during the pandemic brought more challenges, forcing him to prioritize his family’s livelihood. The decision to invest in social media came at a stable moment, when he and Beatriz chose to turn his routine into content.
Today, Rodrigo takes pride in his profession. He says the recognition on social media has brought not only visibility but also new job opportunities. Clients from Taubaté and nearby cities seek him out, drawn by his videos. His daughter, Bela, is also an inspiration, with Rodrigo planning a better future for his family.
- Resilience: His father’s loss changed his plans but strengthened his resolve.
- New opportunities: Fame brought more clients and local partnerships.
- United family: Beatriz and Bela are the backbone of his success.
- Professional pride: Rodrigo values the trade that led to his fame.
Promising future in the digital era
Rodrigo’s story reflects the power of social media to transform lives. From an unknown technician, he became a reference in Taubaté and beyond, with invitations to interviews and potential partnerships. He plans to expand his content, including more maintenance tips and tutorials for other appliances.
The interview with Ana Maria Braga was a milestone, but Rodrigo insists he won’t change his core. He continues serving clients with the same dedication, whether fixing an old machine or replying to a TikTok comment. His story inspires other workers to value their trades and explore the potential of social media.
- Content expansion: Plans for videos on other household appliances.
- Audience connection: Responds to followers with humility and gratitude.
- Staying true: Prioritizes serving local clients.
- Inspiration: Shows how manual work can shine digitally.
