Properly Clean VHS - use a wet or dry clearning tape?

[mrwhitethc]

Just wanted to know if this Maxell VHS Dry Head Cleaner should be used on my VCR or should I pick up a wet model or what?

[lordsmurf]

Head cleaners really don't help much. Pretty much smear, rub or otherwise squish gunk against heads. The dry cleaners are about as useless as a tape. The wet cleaners (come wet, NOT one you add wet to), are marginally better, but limited lifespan (maybe harder to find now, too).

Personally, I take my machines apart, and use denatured alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol, with a non-cotton swab made for cleaning delicate items (like electronics). Just hold one barely damp against the head, rotate.

[mrwhitethc]

Cool, thanks as always for the advice LordSmurf, is there any difference between 70% and 91% isopropyl alcohol? Also since I've never done this before is there a proper way to rotate the head? Does it, should it only spin 1 way?

[lordsmurf]

70% minimum
Only spins one way (clockwise)

[mrwhitethc]

Thank you LordSmurf, most helpful

[wayshway]

I do the same thing.

[cp32]

Same here.