General Use: It is important to let your Buddy cool "breath" when you are not using it, you can do this by loosing the bungs and opening the lid. Cooling down the walls of your Buddy cool the day before using will extend the cooling period. Frozen product will stay colder longer, because it extent the life span of the ice. Organize your cooler box to ensure you don't have to open your cooler box to regularly. Make sure your Buddy cool is always topped up with ice and any extra water is drained through the drain bung. Always make sure the lid is tightly sealed after the Buddy cool has been opened, to prevent any cold air escaping. Keep your Buddy cool out of the SUN. Leave it somewhere in the shade under a tree or when at the beach cover it with a towel, a wet one will work even better. Don't drain water, if food is sealed properly and not in danger of spoilage, the cold water keeps products better cold than empty air does. Ice Management: Rather use block ice it is a solid mass, where if you use crushed ice there is lots of space and air causing it to melt faster. Add salt to your ice, by adding salt to the water you freeze it actually lowers the freezing point of the water, meaning you ice will be colder than frozen fresh water. Freeze drinking water in bottles that can be used ice and then later for drinking. Recommended ice ration is 1/3 ice to 2/3 product. Make sure bung is secure before using. Cleaning and Maintenance: Treat your Buddy cool with care. Wash with soapy warm water dry after washing. Store with lid open.