The Office Survival Kit - Smelly Lunches at Work

#1 When Someone’s Microwave Meal Takes Over the Office

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at your desk, minding your own business, when suddenly the unmistakable smell of leftover fish or a particularly pungent take away starts wafting through the office.

You glance around, and there they are: your colleague, happily tucking into their microwaved lunch, oblivious to the olfactory chaos they’ve unleashed. Suddenly, your humble sandwich seems even less appetising, and you’re left wondering how long the scent will linger.

Lunchtime in the office is a sacred time - a brief escape from emails and meetings. But when someone’s lunch takes over the airspace, it can turn that break into a sensory assault. We get it - everyone’s entitled to their own food choices, but there’s a reason restaurants have ventilation systems. Sadly, most offices don’t.

So, what’s the polite way to handle this delicate situation? No one wants to be that person- the one who complains about someone else’s food. But when the smell is overpowering and disrupts everyone’s day, it might be time for some gentle intervention.

How to Handle Smelly Lunch Offenders

First, approach the issue with kindness. You don’t want to make anyone feel self-conscious about their lunch, but it’s okay to suggest a lighthearted conversation. Mention that certain foods can be a bit overpowering in a shared space and suggest a few alternatives like using the break room or opening a window (if you’re lucky enough to have one).

You can also propose setting up a communal kitchen policy. Friendly rules like “No fish on Fridays” or “Avoid heating up garlic - heavy meals” might just save everyone’s sanity and keep noses happy. Plus, it encourages a more considerate atmosphere, where everyone is mindful of shared spaces.

The Kitchen Clean-Up Factor

Strong smells are one thing, but if your office kitchen isn’t regularly cleaned, those smells can linger well beyond lunch hour. Microwaves, fridges, and bins can quickly become breeding grounds for lingering food odours. That’s why regular deep cleaning is essential.

It’s not just about the smell - it’s about hygiene too. Spills in the microwave, half empty containers in the fridge, and crumbs on the countertops can create a less than pleasant environment. And if you’re the one who has to clean up someone else’s lunchtime mess, it only adds to the frustration.

At Best Choice Cleaning Company, we know how to tackle these problems head-on. Our team is experienced in keeping office kitchens spotless, so your workspace smells fresh, and your employees can enjoy their meals without raising eyebrows - or noses.

Why You Should Call in the Pros

You’ve got enough on your plate (pun intended) without worrying about cleaning up after everyone. Let us take care of that for you. Whether it’s regular kitchen cleaning or a one-off deep clean, we’ll make sure your office is fresh, clean, and odour free. No more lingering smells, no more awkward conversations about last night’s fish pie.

Ready to freshen up your office kitchen? Get in touch today and learn how we can help keep your office smelling as good as it looks.