• it is advisable to show the freezing in date on each individual pack to enable you to keeptab of the storage time.Hints for storage of frozen foodTo obtain the best performance from this appliance, you should:• make sure that the commercially frozen foodstuffs were adequately stored by the retail-er;• be sure that frozen foodstuffs are transferred from the foodstore to the freezer in theshortest possible time;• not open the door frequently or leave it open longer than absolutely necessary.• Once defrosted, food deteriorates rapidly and cannot be refrozen.• Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the food manufacturer.CARE AND CLEANINGCAUTION!Unplug the appliance before carrying out any maintenance operation.This appliance contains hydrocarbons in its cooling unit; maintenance and recharging musttherefore only be carried out by authorized technicians.Periodic cleaningThe equipment has to be cleaned regularly:• clean the inside and accessories with lukewarm water and some neutral soap.• regularly check the door seals and wipe clean to ensure they are clean and free fromdebris.• rinse and dry thoroughly.Do not pull, move or damage any pipes and/or cables inside the cabinet.Never use detergents, abrasive powders, highly perfumed cleaning products or wax polishesto clean the interior as this will damage the surface and leave a strong odour.Clean the condenser (black grill) and the compressor at the back of the appliance with abrush. This operation will improve the performance of the appliance and save electricityconsumption.Take care of not to damage the cooling system.Many proprietary kitchen surface cleaners contain chemicals that can attack/damage theplastics used in this appliance. For this reason it is recommended that the outer casing ofthis appliance is only cleaned with warm water with a little washing-up liquid added.After cleaning, reconnect the equipment to the mains supply.Defrosting of the refrigeratorFrost is automatically eliminated from the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment ev-ery time the motor compressor stops, during normal use. The defrost water drains outthrough a trough into a special container at the back of the appliance, over the motor com-pressor, where it evaporates.32 Care and cleaning