How to Clean Mini DV Tapes

MiniDV tapes are small cassettes that are used to record video in digital video cameras. MiniDV tapes can easily get dirty or soiled when you carry them around during your travels. Always clean your MiniDV tapes carefully, or you may damage or lose your recorded video.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compressed air

1. Use a moist paper towel to gently wipe off anything that has gotten on the outside of your tape cassette.

2. Use a new moist (not dripping) paper towel to gently wipe off any sticky material inside the cassette tape or on the tape itself. It's important to be very gentle to avoid tearing the magnetic tape inside the cassette. Do not use soap or any other cleaner inside the tape.

3. Allow the inside of the cassette to dry before closing the lid to avoid trapping moisture inside the tape.

4. Advance the tape gently using your fingers. Carefully clean any other dirty sections of the tape.

5. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris that are trapped inside the tape. Never stick anything inside the tape cassette in order to clean it.

Tips & Warnings

• If your tape is very dirty or soiled, back up your footage at your local AV store.

References

• About Camcorders

[counselor40]

on 7/24/2009 Nice advice. MiniDV tapes can last a long time if they are kept clean and dry.