How to clean moldy VHS videotape
Channel: The Oldskool PC
Date: 2019-02-10

Archiving videotape becomes more difficult when you retrieve it out of your basement for the first time in decades and notice mold grew on it all that time.  This video will demonstrate the basics of cleaning mold off of videotape, using a technique that has helped me rescue many tapes.

DISCLAIMERS: Use caution around mold; wear a face mask in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation.  I make no guarantees this method will work for you.  If you ruin your own tape following this method, I cannot be held responsible.  Watch the entire video and judge for yourself if this is something you want to try.

Music credits:
George Street Shuffle by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300035
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Q&A:
Q: Will this damage the tape?
A: All cleaning methods have the possibility of damaging the tape.  If you use microfiber lint-free cloth and don't press overly hard, this shouldn't damage the tape.

Q: Other tutorials use alcohol on the pads; should I?
A: I can't speak for other tutorials.  I was told a long time ago by a broadcast engineer that alcohol can weaken the binding of videotape over time and cause the oxide to flake off, so I personally don't use it.  You should do your own research to decide if you should use alcohol or not.

Q: Why not just use a cheap tape rewinder?
A: Because a rewinder doesn't pull the tape out of the cassette.

Q: How can mold damage the heads?
A: It can get stuck under the wires on the head, which aren't really serviceable.

Q: Where do I get a "donor" VCR?
A: Goodwill or ebay; no need to spend more than 20 bucks.

Q: Should I use stronger pressure putting the cloth to the tape?  Use binder clips maybe?
A: NO, because if you press too hard you'll crinkle the tape, rub the oxide off, or both.  Use light pressure, and a few passes with clean areas of the cloth, until you don't see any more mold on the cloth from a pass.