Using these Jimmy Beans Wool Long Tail Lamb Tape Measures is a breeze. To use, just gently pull on the lamb's tail, and it will stretch out into a tape measure. You can use it to check the size of your knitting or crocheting pieces. When not in use, let the tail retract back naturally. As for maintenance, keep them in a dry place away from sharp objects to avoid any damage to the tape measure or the lamb's soft exterior. And don't pull the tail too hard, or it might not retract properly.