Always use a new coffee filter or swab when you begin cleaning the video heads. You don't want to move gunk from the other (dirtier) parts of the VCR.

The #1 thing to remember when cleaning video heads is to only move the cleaning swab horizontally (side to side). This is the same direction of tape travel. Up and down motion will likely break those delicate little ferrite tips. At $100 a pop, that is an expensive lesson.

First, clean the drum. Moisten a clean filter or swab with the head cleaner. Place the flat part of the swab against the side of the drum, touching both the upper and lower drums at the same time.

With your finger on the top rim, turn the drum slowly counter clockwise. Make sure the swab stays in contact with the drum at all times.

As the swab travels around the drum, begin to pull it upward toward the top. Just continue to move the swab up until it naturally comes off the drum at the top. Do this slowly and don't do any of the "pulling up" while you are over a video head. Don't let the swab loose contact with the drum or you will leave dirt. Repeat if there is any visible dirt on the swab.

Now with the other side of the swab, clean the lower "lip" of the drum. The tape runs along on top of this lip and oxides often accumulate there. Use the edge of your swab to get into the corner. Repeat until clean.

It's time to clean the video heads themselves. Moisten a fresh swab. Using a side to side motion, clean each video head gently (you will have 2 or 4). Once you have cleaned them all, do it again. Repeat until the swab comes out clean.

You're Done!

Now you can put the VCR back together in the reverse order you took it apart.

Let the insides dry thoroughly before plugging it in (about 15 minutes). You can use the time to wipe the outside with an anti-static cloth (wipe your TV while you're at it). The next section will tell you how to make anti-static solution.