How to Clean VCR Heads

Video Transcript

"I'm Bill from ARC TV and in this segment we're going to show you how to clean your heads on you VCR. There's a few things you should know is that, you can use a head cleaning tape like this. It doesn't do a thorough job but it may get you back up and running in a pinch. You should never leave this in too long though because it is a little abrasive on your video heads. If it doesn't work, then you should take your machine and have it professionally cleaned. The symptom generally on a dirty head is a snowy picture. So after you've checked to make your TV is on channel 3 and everything's seem upright, you also check to make sure the counter is moving. If you still have a snowy picture, then it's time to try a cleaning tape. Simply insert it in the machine, hit play and follow the instructions that come with your cleaning tape; usually it's left in for thirty seconds. I'd like to also put it in and then hit search forward or search reverse because it moves the tape over the heads a little faster and helps clean it. After thirty seconds, you eject the tape, then put in a tape that you know has been professionally recorded, that you know something is on and see if it plays. If it does and it's a nice, clear picture, then you're done. If not, you could try it one more time. If it doesn't work, then it's time to take it and have it clean properly."