How To Use Your BreadmakerSlicing & Storing BreadFor best results, allow loaves to cool on a wire rack15 to 30 minutes before slicing. You may use anelectric knife (such as the Black & Decker SlimGrip®Electric Knife Model EK100 or EK100-04) for evenslices. Otherwise, use a sharp knife with a serratedblade. For sandwich slices, place the loaf on its sideand slice across.Store bread tightly covered (resealable style bags orplastic containers work well) at room temperatureup to three days. If weather is hot and humid, storein the refrigerator. For longer storage (up to onemonth), place bread in a tightly covered container inthe freezer. If you store the bread in the refrigerator,leave it out to bring it to room temperature beforeserving. Since homemade bread has no preserva-tives, it tends to dry out and become stale fasterthan commercially-made bread.Leftover slightly hardened bread may be cut into1/2" or 1" cubes and used in favorite recipes tomake croutons, bread pudding, or stuffing.Care & CleaningCAUTION To avoid electric shock, unplug the unitand allow the Breadmaker to cool before cleaning.For best performance and maintenance, it isrecommended to clean the breadmaker after eachuse as follows:Outer Body and Oven Chamber:Wipe the outer body of the unit with a damp clothor slightly dampened sponge. Use a damp spongeor cloth to wipe out any flour, crumbs, or othermaterials from the oven chamber.LidThis unit has a removable Lidfor easy cleaning. Open the Lidhalfway and pull it out towardsyou. Wipe it with a damp clothor slightly dampened sponge.DO NOT IMMERSE THE LID inliquid. Clean the viewingwindow with a moist soft cloth(not paper towel), then be sureto wipe it dry.CAUTION: DO NOT clean win-dow with acommercial glass cleaner!When reinstalling the lid, be sure the slots on the lidare fully inserted into the posts on the hinge of theBreadmaker. This will prevent damage whenclosing the lid. If you feel resistance when you try toclose the lid, stop immediately and reposition it.The lid should close easily without any force beingapplied.Baking Pan and Mixing PaddleBoth the Baking Pan and Mixing Paddle have a non-stick coated surface. Do not use any harsh cleanersor utensils on these parts as scratching may occur.Over time, the non-stick surface may change incolor due to moisture and steam. This is normaland has no effect on its use or quality.Remove the Baking Pan and Mixing Paddle from theoven chamber before cleaning. Wipe the outside ofthe Baking Pan with a damp cloth. Be careful not todamage the rubber seal under the shaft. NEVERTOTALLY IMMERSE THE BAKING PAN in water.You can hand wash the inside of the Baking Panwith soapy water. The Mixing Paddle should beremoved from the shaft and the well under thePaddle cleaned. A small amount of baked productmay collect under the paddle. If the Mixing Paddlegets stuck on its shaft, fill the Baking Pan with hotwater and soak it for about 30 minutes or until itloosens and can be removed easily. If the hole in theMixing Paddle becomes clogged, carefully clean itout with a toothpick or soft kitchen brush.CAUTION: None of the breadmaker parts aredishwasher-safe. DO NOT place the Baking Pan,Removable Lid, or Mixing Paddle in the dishwasher.Storing The UnitBe sure to dry all parts before storing and wipe anymoisture from the Viewing Window To prevent loss,you may want to store the Mixing Paddle on theshaft. Close the Lid and do not store anything ontop of the Lid.