Care and Use of Refrigerator

Storage of Foods

Cover all foods which do not have their own protective covering.
Some refrigerators have a high degree of humidity in the storage com-
partment and foods do not need to be covered.

Unwrap meat and place in vented meat compartment or on a plate
and cover loosely with wax paper.(Some refrigerators have a meat
compartment which is chilled below cabinet temperature, making it
possible to store meat for a week. )

Do not keep ground meats, internal organs or shellfish more than
l*or 2 days,

Spread soft fruits such as berries, peaches and pears on a platter.
Do not wash berries until ready for use.

Do not store bananas or under-ripe avocados in the refrigerator.
Once these fruits have reached the desirable stage of ripeness, they
may be refrigerated for several days to inhibit further ripening.

Wash vegetables, cut off inedible portions and store in crisper or
in plastic bags. Do not obstruct free circulation of cold air by over-
crowding the shelves.

Temperature Control

Refrigerators have a temperature control. There is a normal posi-
tion for everyday use. When there is a very heavy load of food in the
refrigerator, the temperature control should be set a point colder than
normal. Conversely, if there is a very light load and the appliance is
not in use for a week or so, set the control a point higher than normal.
If the refrigerator is disconnected during an extended holiday, leave
the door ajar. To freeze ice cream, turn the control to the coldest set-
ting. Stir the ice cream several times during the freezing period and as
soon as the dessert is firm, turn the control back to normal. Crisp dry
frost on the freezing unit ratherthan a smooth icy deposit is an indica-
tion that the machine is set at the proper temperature. Some refrigera-
tors now have a two temperature control system, this provides zero
temperature in the freezer compartment while the refrigerator is set at
approximately 38 to 40 degrees. The freezer storage compartment in
many refrigerators currently in useis setat approximately 17 degrees F.

To Defrost and Clean

Frost-free — Many refrigerators are now frost-free. This means
that frost does not form on the walls and the time-consuming chore of
defrosting is eliminated. However, all refrigerators whether frost-free
or not, should be cleaned on a regular schedule.

Automatic Defrost — In some models, automatic defrosting is pro-
vided in the refrigerator section. Frost is melted off the refrigerated
plate during the ‘‘off cycle’’ of the compressor. Moisture is directed
down, back of the liner of the cabinet into a drip tray where it evapor-
ates automatically. Frost should not be allowed to build up more than
4?’ in thickness in the freezer section. Some excess of frost can be
removed without defrosting, by means of a plastic scraper. Never chip
at frost or try to loosen trays with any sharp metal tool.