How to insert the Electrodes [ .9999 Fine Pure Silver 12 gauge wire x 7” ]
 Insert silver electrodes into sockets on the bottom of the generator till they seat and are held firmly in place with flat planes parallel, ends opposite.  
 Grasp the electrodes near the base to avoid  distorting them when removing or adjusting position
No need to ‘scrub’ them clean. [In fact, may contaminate them] Really, no need to clean them at all
Rubbing deposits off with a piece of cloth or paper towel is sufficient. [Really, no need to clean them at all]]
 If you have bent the electrodes to get them parallel, rotating them in the sockets 180 degrees will make them parallel again without re-bending them.

The generator can be stored with the electrodes left inserted. 

[I have not so much as touched my electrodes in 5 years]

Just do so that water will not run down into the sockets and allow air circulation so that everything will dry out.

Dry electrode surface will develop a fine dusty appearance ranging from white to "Salt-n-Pepper". 

No problem.    It's all silver that will be turned into ions with the next batch.

DO NOT store with power applied [UNPLUG IT]