Most damage is caused to video tapes when they are lacing and unlacing.
Making sure that your tape is at the beginning or the end before ejecting will help avoid problems. To stop someone taping over your recording, pull off the black tab on the spine. If you need to record on the cassette again simply re-cover the square with sticky tape. To clean your remote control, remove the batteries and ease away dirt with methylated spirit and a brush. Leave to dry for 30 minutes before using it again.