User Manuals

Proper use and appropriate maintenance of our products ensures a long service life and safe operation. The following general guides summarise the most important handling, cleaning and maintenance information by product category.

Important: The guidelines provided here are of a general nature. The manufacturer's instructions supplied with each individual product always take precedence. If the product is accompanied by manufacturer's instructions, please follow those.

• Before first use, wash with a mild detergent and warm water.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool and chlorine-based cleaning agents — these may damage the surface.
• Dry the surface after each use to prevent discolouration.
• Food-grade stainless steel (18/10, 18/8) is food-safe; however, prolonged storage of highly acidic or salty foods may cause discolouration.
• Dishwasher cleaning is generally permitted — the manufacturer's instructions are authoritative.

• Use a honing steel or ceramic sharpening stone to sharpen your knives. Regular honing preserves the cutting edge and ensures safe use.
• Do not wash quality knives in a dishwasher — high temperatures and chemicals may damage the blade and handle.
• Store knives in a knife block or on a magnetic holder. Storing them unprotected in a drawer dulls the edge and poses an injury risk.
• Always use a cutting board — avoid cutting on stone, glass or metal surfaces.

• Regularly oil wooden cutting boards with a food-safe mineral oil (e.g. fully refined paraffin oil) to prevent cracking.
• Plastic cutting boards may be cleaned in a dishwasher.
• For hygienic reasons, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.

• Wash metal shakers and mixing glasses by hand with a mild detergent.
• Inspect the seals of leak-proof shakers regularly and replace them when necessary.
• Dry glasses upside down in a well-ventilated area.
• Descale ice machines according to the manufacturer's instructions — water hardness affects the rate of limescale build-up.

• Descaling: Carry out descaling regularly using the descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer. The frequency depends on the water hardness and the intensity of daily use — typically every 2 to 3 months is recommended.
• Daily cleaning: After brewing, flush the system with clean water. Empty the drip tray and the grounds container daily.
• Filters and components: Replace at the intervals specified by the manufacturer. Neglecting filter replacement may affect the taste of the coffee and the service life of the machine.
• Milk frother: Rinse immediately after use with warm water, then wipe dry. Milk residue rapidly promotes bacterial growth.

• Refill and clean dispensers in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Regularly inspect the internal mechanism of disinfectant dispensers to ensure correct dosing.
• In hospitality and catering environments, follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements — regular inspection and documentation of hygiene equipment is part of regulatory compliance.
• Hygienic hand drying after washing is essential — the use of paper towel dispensers or air dryers is recommended.

• Check the refrigerator temperature regularly: maintain it between +2°C and +8°C (food safety requirement).
• Clean the condenser coil of dust at least twice a year — contamination reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption.
• Inspect the door seals regularly: worn seals cause heat loss.
• Defrosting: follow the manufacturer's instructions. For models without an automatic defrost system, manual defrosting is required once the ice layer exceeds 5 mm in thickness.

• Always check the integrity of the power cable and plug before use.
• Do not use the appliance with a damaged cable — have it repaired by an authorised service centre.
• Do not use equipment designed for outdoor use indoors, and vice versa.
• Repairs to electrical appliances must be carried out exclusively by an authorised service centre.
• Failure to observe the safety instructions may result in the loss of warranty cover.

• Carry out descaling based on the water hardness — at least monthly in hard-water areas.
• Regularly check the rinse aid and detergent dispensers.
• Clean the filters at the end of every shift — contamination reduces washing efficiency and poses a hygiene risk.
• Maintain the wash temperature at the level recommended by the manufacturer (typically 55–65°C for the wash cycle, 80–90°C for the rinse cycle).

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection: before installing or replacing components, always touch a grounded metal object or wear an anti-static wrist strap. Electrostatic discharge can invisibly but irreversibly damage circuits.
• Thermal management: ensure adequate ventilation — do not obstruct the ventilation openings of the device. Clean the internal fans and heat sinks of computer cases with compressed air every quarter to remove dust build-up.
• Cable management: untidy cabling can obstruct airflow and pose a trip hazard. Use cable ties or cable management channels to keep cables organised.
• Monitor and display care: clean the screen only with a microfibre cloth and a screen-cleaning solution. Avoid alcohol-, ammonia- or acetone-based products — these damage the coating.
• Peripheral maintenance: regularly turn the keyboard upside down and shake it out, or use compressed air to remove crumbs and dust. Clean the mouse sensor with a soft cloth.
• Battery care: do not regularly fully discharge laptop or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries. The optimal charge level for lithium-ion batteries is between 20% and 80%. Before extended storage, charge to approximately 50%.
• Driver and firmware updates: regularly check the manufacturer's website for available updates. Updates can improve performance, compatibility and security.

• Assembly: follow the assembly instructions supplied by the manufacturer and adhere to the sequence specified. Use the tools recommended by the manufacturer — forced tightening or unsuitable tools may cause surface damage.
• Wooden furniture care: wood is sensitive to humidity and direct sunlight. Maintain relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Avoid placing furniture directly next to a radiator or window. For cleaning, use a slightly damp, soft cloth and then dry the surface.
• Metal-framed furniture: regularly check the tightness of screws and joints and retighten them as necessary. Repair scratches to prevent further corrosion.
• Upholstery care: treat upholstered surfaces in accordance with the cleaning code specified by the manufacturer (W, S, WS, X). Generally, vacuuming and wiping with a mild soapy solution is sufficient — always test a chemical cleaner on a concealed area first.
• Load capacity: observe the maximum load capacity specified by the manufacturer. Overloading shelves, chairs and tables can lead to structural damage and accidents.
• Outdoor furniture: at the end of the season, clean the furniture and store it in a dry, covered area, or use a waterproof cover. Inspect metal parts for rust and treat wooden parts with an outdoor wood-care oil.
• Office chair ergonomics: adjust the seat height so that your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees form a 90° angle. Adjust the backrest height and tilt angle to match the natural curvature of the lower back.

• Light source types: LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting (up to 25,000–50,000 operating hours). Halogen bulbs emit stronger light but generate more heat. Conventional fluorescent tubes are economical but must be disposed of as hazardous waste owing to their mercury content.
• Installation safety: before installing, replacing or maintaining any light fitting, always switch off the relevant circuit breaker in the fuse box. Switching off at the light switch alone is not sufficient.
• IP rating: for bathroom and outdoor use, install only light fittings with an IP rating appropriate to the zone in question (at least IP44; IP65 for wet areas). The IP rating can be found in the product description and the manufacturer's documentation.
• Dimmer compatibility: not every LED light source is suitable for dimming. Before using a dimmer, check that the chosen LED bulb or panel is explicitly marked as "dimmable".
• Energy efficiency: choose light sources with an energy rating of class A. LED technology consumes up to 80% less energy than conventional bulbs at the same brightness.
• Waste disposal: spent fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps must be treated as hazardous waste owing to their mercury content. Take them to a designated collection point — never dispose of them with household waste. LED bulbs do not contain mercury but must be treated as electronic waste.
• LED drivers: LED strips and panels often require an external power supply (transformer). Ensure the correct voltage (12 V / 24 V) and wattage — an incompatible power supply can pose a fire risk.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): when using power tools, wear safety goggles, hearing protection (for noise levels above 85 dB) and work gloves. For cutting and grinding work, a dust mask or respirator is recommended.
• Pre-use inspection: before every use, visually inspect the tool for integrity. Check the power cable, plug, safety latches and guard covers.
• Cordless tools: charge the battery using only the charger recommended by the manufacturer. Do not store batteries in a fully discharged state for extended periods — this reduces their service life. Do not use or charge the battery in extreme temperatures (below 0 °C or above 40 °C).
• Blade and drill-bit storage: store sharp tools in their original case or a protective sleeve. Damage to cutting edges and drill tips reduces work precision and increases the risk of accidents.
• Torque wrench calibration: have torque wrenches calibrated at least once a year, particularly for professional use. After use, always reset to the lowest setting.
• Workshop ventilation: when sanding, sawing or painting in an enclosed space, ensure adequate ventilation or dust extraction. Prolonged inhalation of fine dust is harmful to health.

• Pre-use condition check: before every training session or sporting activity, examine the condition of the equipment. Check connections, screws, straps and fasteners.
• Cleaning and drying: after use, wipe off sweat and moisture from the equipment. Clean the padded surfaces of exercise machines with a slightly damp cloth, then wipe dry. Do not use aggressive chemicals.
• Storage conditions: store sporting equipment in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight and UV radiation. High humidity can cause corrosion; extreme temperatures can cause material fatigue.
• Load capacity: observe the maximum load values specified by the manufacturer. Overloading exercise machines, yoga mats and sporting equipment can lead to accidents and product damage.
• Protective equipment: use the prescribed or recommended protective gear for the relevant sporting activity (helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards). Replace protective equipment after an impact, as the internal structure may have been weakened.
• Seasonal maintenance: before extended storage at the end of a season, thoroughly clean the equipment, loosen straps and springs, and store in a covered, dry location.

• Professional installation: wherever possible, entrust the installation of vehicle parts to a specialist workshop or authorised dealer. Improper installation can be hazardous and may void the vehicle's warranty.
• Compatibility verification: before purchasing, check the OEM part number or cross-reference number against the vehicle data (make, model, year of manufacture, engine code). An incompatible part may cause malfunction or a safety risk.
• OEM vs aftermarket parts: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are guaranteed to be compatible and meet the manufacturer's quality standards. Aftermarket parts may be more affordable, but ensure they carry the required certifications (e.g. ECE, TÜV).
• Storage: before installation, store parts in a dry location, protected from humid air, in their original packaging. Metal parts may corrode, and rubber components (bushings, seals) may age in extreme temperatures.
• Safety-critical parts: components belonging to the braking system, steering and suspension perform a direct safety function. Their replacement must be carried out exclusively by a qualified mechanic, and correct operation must be verified after installation.

• Garden equipment maintenance: keep the lawnmower blade sharp — a blunt blade tears the grass, making it susceptible to disease. At the start of the season, check the oil level, filter and spark plug (for petrol machines). Regularly inspect the power cables and connectors of electric equipment.
• Seasonal maintenance: in spring, overhaul garden tools and machines. At the end of the autumn season, clean them, oil the metal parts and store in a frost-free location.
• Irrigation systems: to prevent frost damage, drain the irrigation system in unheated areas at the end of autumn. Regularly clean the sprinkler heads and filters to remove limescale and dirt deposits.
• Outdoor storage: protect equipment left outdoors with a tarpaulin cover or store it in a covered area. Direct rainfall and UV radiation accelerate material ageing, fading and corrosion.
• Handling chemicals: store plant protection products, fertilisers and cleaning agents in their original packaging in a well-ventilated area, out of the reach of children and pets. Read the safety data sheet before use and wear the prescribed protective equipment.

• Hygiene: clean devices that come into direct contact with the skin (facial care devices, epilators, shavers, hair stylers) after every use. Use the disinfection method recommended by the manufacturer.
• Cleaning guidelines: never immerse electrical devices in water unless the manufacturer explicitly rates them as waterproof. Remove head attachments and accessories separately for cleaning.
• Battery care: before first use, fully charge rechargeable beauty devices in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not store them in a fully discharged state for extended periods.
• Replacement parts: replace filters, head attachments, blades and brushes at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Worn parts reduce effectiveness and may pose a hygiene risk.
• Storage: store in a dry, clean, dust- and moisture-free environment. If stored in a bathroom, ensure adequate ventilation — high humidity can damage the electronics.

• Lens cleaning: use only a microfibre optical cloth and a cleaning solution designed for lenses. Never use household glass cleaner, paper tissues or fabric — these cause micro-scratches on the lens surface.
• Sensor care: clean the image sensor of digital cameras only with a dedicated sensor-cleaning kit. Avoid applying compressed air at excessive pressure near internal components.
• Storage conditions: store optical devices at a temperature between 15 °C and 25 °C and at a relative humidity of 40–60%. High humidity can cause mould growth on the internal lens surfaces, resulting in irreversible damage.
• Long-term storage: if the camera or optical device will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and contact corrosion. Store the battery at approximately 50% charge.
• Protective cases and silica gel: always store and transport optical devices in a padded, shock-resistant case. Place a silica-gel sachet inside the case to absorb moisture — replace it once the sachet becomes saturated (turns pink/clear).

• Retaining original packaging: wherever possible, keep the original packaging and manufacturer's documentation. When submitting a warranty claim, it may be necessary to return the product in its original packaging.
• Temperature and humidity: store electrical and electronic devices at a temperature between 5 °C and 35 °C and at a relative humidity of 30–70%. Extreme temperatures and condensation can damage circuits and mechanical components.
• Retaining documents: keep the proof of purchase (receipt, invoice), the warranty card and the manufacturer's operating instructions carefully throughout the warranty period. Without these, the assertion of a warranty claim may be more difficult.
• Transport and handling: when transporting heavy or fragile products, use appropriate packing material and secure the product in the vehicle. For electronic devices, ensure impact protection and anti-static packaging.
• Manufacturer's instructions take precedence: should the general guidelines described here differ from the manufacturer's instructions supplied with the product, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The information provided here is intended for general guidance only.

Regular maintenance extends the service life of your products and ensures the validity of the warranty. We recommend the following general schedule: