How to Clean VCR Heads
Cleaning VCR heads can make the device last longer and improve the quality of the picture. Using a video head cleaner tape is the easiest way to maintain a VCR. If the head cleaner is ineffective, the owner will need to take apart the VCR and perform a manual cleaning.
Items Needed:
- VCR instruction manual
- Screwdriver
- Alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Video head cleaner
- Turn on your VCR and eject the video tape if there is one inside the unit. Unplug the VCR from the wall and remove the cable that connects the device to your television. Take the VCR to the area where you want to clean it. A kitchen table is a good place to use if you have good lighting.
- Place a towel on the table so the VCR does not scratch the surface. Use a screwdriver to remove the VCR case and place it off to the side. Read the VCR instruction manual to locate the heads that you need to clean.
- Pour some alcohol on a cotton swab and clean the VCR heads. Use a different cotton swab to wipe away any dust from inside the VCR. Put the case back on when you finish cleaning the device.
- Connect the VCR to your television and turn on both devices. Insert a video tape into the VCR and press “Play.” Make sure the video displays on your television and check the quality to see if the picture looks better after the cleaning.
- Buy a video head cleaner tape to maintain the VCR. Insert the cleaner tape into the VCR and play it like a regular video. Let the head cleaner tape run all the way to the end, which usually only takes a few minutes. When the tape reaches the end it will automatically rewind. Read the instructions that come with the head cleaner tape to determine how often to use it.