Using these LED lanterns is a breeze. First, open the battery compartment at the bottom of the lantern and insert the two included AG13 batteries. Once the batteries are in, turn on the switch, and the warm - white light will shine right away. You can hang them up using a string or place them on a table as a centerpiece. When using them outdoors, make sure they're in a dry place to avoid water damage. To maintain them, simply wipe the plastic body with a soft, dry cloth every once in a while to keep them looking clean. When the batteries run out, replace them with new AG13 batteries to keep the lights glowing.