Using these KnitPro Mindful Collection fixed circular needles is easy. Just thread your yarn through the cable and start knitting as you normally would. They're great for both lace work and regular knitting. When using the cable as a ruler, just look at the inch markings. As for maintenance, keep them in a dry place to avoid rusting. Don't bend the cables too forcefully to keep them kink - free. If you notice any dirt on the needles, you can gently wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. And remember, even though the brand name has changed to KnitPro, the quality remains the same.