How to Demagnetize Cassette Deck Tape Heads

Keep cassettes playing normally by demagnetizing the tape deck.

Playing cassettes in a tape deck can cause an electromagnetic charge to build up over time, resulting in poor audio quality and an increased risk that the tape deck will devour and mangle the cassette. The magnetic charge can pull the tape away from the tape heads where it will quickly snarl inside the deck. A demagnetizer can be purchased at electronics and stereo stores for clearing the tape heads of the magnetic charge. Shaped like a cassette, the demagnetizer quickly alternates a positive and negative charge to neutralize magnetism so the tape deck will function normally.

Things You'll Need

• Tape deck demagnetizer

Instructions

1. Open the tape deck door by pressing the "Eject" button.

2. Insert the cassette-shaped demagnetizer into the tape compartment with the label side facing outward, and close the compartment door.

3. Press the "Play" button on the front of the tape deck to run the demagnetizer for approximately 30 seconds, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Remove the demagnetizer and store in the heavy metal shield that came with it. The protective shield helps prevent the device from accidentally erasing magnetic recordings.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the demagnetizer away from cassette tapes.

• Always replace the demagnetizer in its protective metal shield when not in use.

References

• Ton Meister: Cleaning and Demagnetizing
• Blueswapper: Demagnetizing FAQs