After processing, move the hot jars to a heat resistant surface to cool. After 24 hours, remove the rings for reuse. Look closely at the group of jars on the right, which have had this done. The marking pen shown is to date the tops of the lids. The jars on the left are still cooling. I just use a long 1X12 inch board as a cooling surface. It needs to be large enough for a couple days canning.