How to Clean Reel-to-Reel Tapes

While digital recording has replaced older reel-to-reel recording, there are some who still prefer the vintage, idiosyncratic sound from older recording methods. Additionally, you may have old reel recordings lying around, and you'll need to dust off that reel-to-reel machine if you want to use it for conversion purposes. The problem is that reel-to-reel tapes require regular maintenance, just like that of a CD-surface or digital hard drive. But reel-to-reel tapes are less durable and cannot simply be wiped clean with a regular washcloth. To clean reel-to-reel units, careful steps must be taken.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Feather duster
• Microfiber cloth
• 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
• Q-tips

1. Dust visible tape surfaces gently with a feather duster while the tape is still inserted in the machine.

2. Slowly rotate the reels in order, cleaning exposed tape by gently wiping the surface with a microfiber cloth. Be careful not to bend or crinkle the tape. Do not use alcohol or any other cleaning product on the tape itself; this can distort the tape.

3. Consult your owner's manual to properly remove tape from the machine. Every tape recorder loads and empties a little differently.

4. Locate the tape guides once you have removed the tape; the guides are essentially any metal components that the tape rubs against during recording or playback.

5. Swab the tape guides with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip.

6. Return reels to tape machine after allowing alcohol to dry for one hour.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use any metallic or magnetic instruments when cleaning reel-to-reel tapes; such items can erase your recordings.