VCR Maintenance TipsNow that it's clean, keep it that way with good VCR maintenance Now that your machine is clean, wouldn't you like to keep it that way? The effects of environmental contaminants can be lessened. Here are some tips that will help. |
- Buy good quality video tapes. Any name brand, like TDK (best), Sony, Memorex etc. or private labeled tapes by reputable companies, like Kodak or Fuji are generally good quality. Never buy bargain-barn tapes. They may not be manufactured to the same standards.
- Wipe your electronics with an anti-static cloth. Make your own from fabric softener (see below) or purchase an anti-static spray or cloth. A dryer sheet works too. Dust your electronics at least once a week.
- Dust and vacuum near your VCR regularly. Any dust that you remove from the area can't get into your VCR.
- Keep the VCR up off the floor. The higher it is, the less dust can make it's way up there.
- Beware of dirty rental tapes. Some people go so far as to have two VCRs, one for recording and watching pristine tapes, and one cheap VCR for playing those dirty rental tapes. Do what you can, but don't let it keep you from enjoying your VCR! If you play rentals, just clean more often.
- Don't smoke near your VCR. Smoke particles are much like dust, they are just smaller and travel better.
- Consider a dust cover. Covering the VCR when it isn't in use can greatly reduce the contaminants it gathers. Choose an anti-static dust cover.
Plain soap and water is the safest cleaning solution for your electronics. Some manufacturers recommend window cleaning sprays as well. With any cleaner, test an inconspicuous area to make sure you will not be harming your finish. You need to be especially careful with wood cabinets.
Anti-Static Solution
Mix 1 part liquid fabric softener with
3 parts water. A good amount is 1/4 cup
fabric softener and 3/4 cup water.
Make more or less depending on the number
of electronic appliances you will be dusting.
Liquid fabric softeners are chemically very similar to anti-static sprays. Soak a cloth and squeeze it out good to make sure there are no drips. Dust as usual, making sure you test anything that might be harmed by cleaning or anti-static chemicals.
Videotapes
You can keep your tapes in good condition by following these tips:
- Store tapes upright like books. Horizontal storage can allow the tape to sag inside the cassette.
- Keep the tapes in their jackets. Otherwise any dust they accumulate will just end up back inside your VCR.
- Use a closed cabinet or other dust cover for your video collection. It will go a long way toward keeping your tapes dust free.
Further Reading
Here are two really great books on VCR repair.
And just in case you are thinking about doing a little VCR cleaning on the side, here is a low-cost complete book on starting your own business.
Milky Way Publishing