Where to find a VHS tape cleaner

If you don’t plan on using your VCR to record, an easier solution may be to affix a dry piece of lint free gauze over the erase head (to the left of the head drum). That way the tape path passes directly over the gauze and the surface is gently wiped each time it passes through the machine.

For mine I used a 2x2” sterile gauze pad from CVS held in place with small zip ties at the bottom and top of the erase head. Just be careful not to let the pad touch the bottom of the mechanism, else it may wind up wicking some of the oil from the guide track and smearing it against the tape.

Hello, we offer an afforable alternative for VHS, VHS-C and 8mm tape cleaning. We use a machine called TapeChek by RTI Industries. This machine is used in BroadCast Studios before a tape is archived. This machine will remove all the dirt and mold that has collected on the tape over the years. It will greatly increase the quality of the VHS image and most importantly, prevent the video-heads on your VCR from getting dirty. You can build your own cleaning device or find a used TapeCheck on eBay but normally they run several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Home made machines will typically rip the tape because the tension of the cleaning pad is very precise. A good alternative is you can mail your tapes to us and we'll clean them at an affodable rate. We also offer high quality transfer services as well. Check out our website at www.mydvdtransfer.com or email info@mydvdtransfer.com

If there is a Freds or Local Pharmacy close they may still have some of the older new stock. I bought mine in a Rural town area. Just trying to help if you are rural. And Good Will gets them from time to time. They dont really wear out so if you find one its yours for life .