diff --git a/openmc/mesh.py b/openmc/mesh.py
index 8078869889..b4cd04d511 100644
--- a/openmc/mesh.py
+++ b/openmc/mesh.py
@@ -1322,9 +1322,10 @@ class CylindricalMesh(StructuredMesh):
         pts_cartesian[:, 1] = r * np.sin(phi)
 
         # offset with origin
-        pts_cartesian[:, 0] = pts_cartesian[:, 0] + self.origin[0]
-        pts_cartesian[:, 1] = pts_cartesian[:, 1] + self.origin[1]
-        pts_cartesian[:, 2] = pts_cartesian[:, 2] + self.origin[2]
+        if self.origin != [0.0, 0.0, 0.0]:
+            pts_cartesian[:, 0] = pts_cartesian[:, 0] + self.origin[0]
+            pts_cartesian[:, 1] = pts_cartesian[:, 1] + self.origin[1]
+            pts_cartesian[:, 2] = pts_cartesian[:, 2] + self.origin[2]
 
         return super().write_data_to_vtk(
             points=pts_cartesian,
@@ -1576,9 +1577,10 @@ class SphericalMesh(StructuredMesh):
         pts_cartesian[:, 2] = r * np.cos(phi)
 
         # offset with origin
-        pts_cartesian[:, 0] = pts_cartesian[:, 0] + self.origin[0]
-        pts_cartesian[:, 1] = pts_cartesian[:, 1] + self.origin[1]
-        pts_cartesian[:, 2] = pts_cartesian[:, 2] + self.origin[2]
+        if self.origin != [0.0, 0.0, 0.0]:
+            pts_cartesian[:, 0] = pts_cartesian[:, 0] + self.origin[0]
+            pts_cartesian[:, 1] = pts_cartesian[:, 1] + self.origin[1]
+            pts_cartesian[:, 2] = pts_cartesian[:, 2] + self.origin[2]
 
         return super().write_data_to_vtk(
             points=pts_cartesian,