Cleaning Tapes

Currently, the only way we can clean tapes in-house is with our "VHS Is Life" tape cleaner. Designed as a VHS cleaner, the device can also clean Betamax, Betacam, Betacam SP, Digital Betacam, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm film, DV, Super-8, U-matic, Video8, Hi8, and Digital8. We keep the machine in the conservation lab so that it can be used within the fume hood to contain mold dissemination as much as possible. It is also recommended to wear a mask and gloves during the cleaning to minimize exposure. The cleaner does run a vacuum while it's in use, but we try to have as many safeguards in place as we can. The procedure is fairly simple:

1. Dismantle the tape. To clean the tape on the cleaner, you will need just the tape hubs (out of the cassette if it was in one).
2. Prepare the tape cleaner.
   • Locate the correct spindles. There are different spindles for each format stored in the drawers near the fume hood. Put these spindles on the nubs and store the others.
   • Load the wipe pads onto the holders. They should be fairly saturated with the high-percentage isopropyl alcohol (normally a bottle is also kept near the fume hood).
3. Load the tape. It will only pass across one pad at a time, depending on which way it is being wound.
4. Clean the mostly empty tape hub with swabs and alcohol, and pads if necessary. While the cleaner is running, it also a good time to clean the cassette if needed.
5. Swap the tape hubs on their spindles and run it back again, this time letting it pass across the other pad.
6. Clean the other hub once the tape has finished winding.
7. Clean up.
   • Return all equipment to the drawer.
   • Make sure cap is secured on alcohol bottle.
   • Pick up any debris and return the cleaner to the side of the fume hood.
   • Bring the tape back to the lab and assemble if necessary.