6
The refrigerator compartment
The coldest area of the refrigerator is the lower part,
above the fruit and vegetable drawer.
For the best performance from your refrigerator,
always follow these rules:
■ never put hot drinks or food into the refrigerator,
leave them to cool at room temperature first
■ cover food, especially if strong smelling
■ space out the food so that the air can circulate
freely around it
■ don't block air circulation by covering the gap
between the front part of the shelves and the
back.
Freshness control
The fruit and vegetable compartment can accumu-
late moisture depending on the type of food stored.
To regulate the build-up of humid air in this compart-
ment there is a vent (A -Fig.) which can be adjusted.
For salads and leafy vegetables, a high moisture
content will ensure that they retain their freshness
but root vegetables such as turnips require a less
moist atmosphere.
The adjuster allows you to select the best conditions
for your food, the atmosphere will be dryer the more
the vent is opened.
Helpful hygiene tips
■ Always wash your hands with soapy water and
dry them with a clean towel before handling food.
■ Keep work surfaces clean and avoid cross conta-
mination by not using the same work surface for
raw and cooked food without washing it thor-
oughly in between.
■ Use clean kitchen roll wherever possible for
clearing up food. If you use a dishcloth be sure
to boil it frequently.
■ Regularly remove suspect food from your refrig-
erator and clean the interior with a solution of
bicarbonate of soda in warm water (5 ml to 0.5
litre of water). Never allow spills to dry and hard-
en.
■ Regularly check the refrigerator door seal to
ensure that it is clean and free from debris.
■ Make sure that food is used before its «best
before» date.
■ Cool food as quickly as possible but don't place
in refrigerator or freezer until cool. (Leave food in
a place as cool as possible in order that it can be
placed in the refrigerator or freezer without
delay).
■ Do not store food uncovered.
■ Do not mix raw and cooked meat, they must be
in separate containers. Take care not to let the
meat juices drip onto other food. If the meat
does drip, remove everything and clean thor-
oughly.