hi all i got a couple of question i need to know before i start fitting forged rods in my 1.8t agu engine in my mk1 golf. never done this before so hope all goes well. ok so far heads of sumps of ive took piston and rod no 1 out as seen in pitcure. bores look clean and no marks

ive been watching the youtube videos part 1-5 but some things arnt clear to me.
1. the piston rings look fine so i be re-using them. is there a certain way the rings have to be lined up to each other? or aslong as the cut outs arnt all in 1 line.
2. whats the best way to clean the piston? there is some oil/dirt in the piston rings groves. is using a wire brush ok for the top of the pistons to clean the carbon