How to Clean Water Damage to VHS Tapes

A step by step on how to fix VHS tapes damaged by water...you'll need a whole lot of patience!!!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pellon ® tissues/a lint free fabric made of synthetic fiber that has low abrasion and low dust, scissors, archive quality adhesive tape, an S.C.B.A. or bio mask, bio grade gloves.

1. Put the damaged tape(s) in a warm dry area and allow plenty of time for them to dry out completely.

2. Rewind the VHS tape(s) (if possible).

3. Pull small, roughly 12 inch sections of the VHS tape out and clean both sides by gently rubbing the tape with Pellon ® tissues or a synthetic fabric until it exhibits a clean shiny luster. Wind the tape into the opposite real it's feeding from.

4. If segments of the tape are severed, use an archive quality adhesive tape (in about two inch segments), affix to both sides to splice it together.

5. If sections of the tape are twisted or chewed up beyond any hope, cut only the damaged section out with a pair of scissors and follow step 4.

6. 
    
   Booyah!!!...As good as new!!!

   Continue until you have cleaned the entire reel, it may take some time, but your VHS tape will be reasonably restored.

Tips & Warnings

• I STRONGLY ADVISE DOING THIS OUTSIDE IN THE OPEN AIR TO AVOID HEALTH RISKS TO YOURSELF AND ANYONE IN YOUR HOME.
• WEAR GLOVES AND A BIO MASK OR S.C.B.A (NOT A DUST MASK), DISPOSE OF THEM IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE!!! VHS TAPES CAN CONTAIN MOLD, BACTERIA OR VIRUSES THAT CAN BE HARMFUL OR FATAL IF INHALED WHILE AIRBORNE!!! ALSO BE SURE TO DISPOSE OF ANY FABRIC OR TISSUES USED TO CLEAN THE VHS TAPE(S)!!!

[Sush56]

on 8/6/2008 Great tips! I am going to have to save this article, just incase i need these tips:) 5 stars!!

[MarlaineMarie]

on 8/3/2008 Good article! Sounds like a film editor or restoration project!