5 Unwritten Rules of Using Your Office Microwave

Office microwave etiquette
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

If your office has a microwave, you’ll have to share it with the rest of your co-workers, and this can lead to a number of uncomfortable situations. Luckily, they’re easily avoided if you embrace these five simple rules for using a microwave at work.

Clean Up Your Mess

This one goes without saying, but if there are any food spots or stains left on the microwave, you should clean them up instead of letting your co-workers do all the dirty work.

Don’t Walk Away

Once you turn on the microwave, don’t walk away only to come back ten minutes later. Other people are waiting for their turn, and it will take forever if you simply let your food sit inside. Also, remember to reset the microwave to the default settings once you’re done.

Hands to Yourself

If someone else’s food is already in the microwave, wait for your turn instead of resetting the timer and putting your food inside.

Cover Up

Certain foods, such as soups and oatmeal, have a habit of splattering all over the microwave, and that’s why you should consider covering your container before heating them up.

Avoid Smelly Foods

Foods with a strong smell, such as seafood and heavily spiced dishes, don’t belong inside the office microwave, and you should avoid them at all costs.