"Wet" versus "Dry" VHS Cleaner.

Expandable

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
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Which one you refer? I own both. My Panasonic VCR recomended "Dry" type. Also someone know how "Dry" type works because it is just like a regular tape. Not sure how it is clean to your VCR.

Thanks.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
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I've never had to clean my VCR, although it's probably a good idea. My mother's Panasonic VCR got so dirty inside that we had to take it to a local repair shop and I'm glad we did. They got it back to working condition for only $39.95, all it required was a good professional cleaning. Otherwise I was suggesting we scrap it and buy a new one but she didn't go for that.
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
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They're both utterly and completely useless. Why do you think you need to clean your VCR? Panasonic and most other brands, AFAIK, have had a built-in self-cleaning wand for years. It usually activates whenever you eject the tape.

Panasonic probably recommends the dry type because it has the least potential to damage the machine, not because they work.

If you need to clean the VCR heads, do so properly, by removing the cover and using foam-covered cotton swabs and 99% pure isopropyl alcohol.

EDIT: If you don't feel comfortable working inside your machine, do as RossMan suggested and bring it in to a TV/Electronics repair shop, and tell them to clean it.
 

xraymongral

Banned
Nov 25, 2000
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Do not use ant tape at all. They all will destroy your VCR heads. Instead, go to a electrical supply store and get some chamois for cleaning your heads.
 

radiocore

Golden Member
Aug 25, 2000
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i use wet tape every now and then and it does wonders ont he VCR. Just remember to let it air out after you're finished as to not ruin the tape that you put in to play. ;)
 

Expandable

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
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I watch rent movies alot that is why I need regular cleaning. I did open it and cleaned inside just like you guy mention before. However, I screwed them both Panasonic; They both didn't play Stereo or very low sound in some tapes but other brand did. Somehow they are very sensitive.

I don't like to bring it to shop because VCR getting so cheap. I did get 2 HIFI 4 head for $50 a piece, Sharp and Quasar. I have 2 high end models and want to maintain them.
 

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
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<< and 99% pure isopropyl alcohol. >>

It would work, denaturated alcohol will as well. The way to do it is by taking them apart, if you cant do it without breaking them as you havein the past, take them to a shop.
 

Msatan666

Senior member
Oct 10, 1999
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The best way to clean a vcr is none of the above. Take a fairly high grade new from the shrinkwrap blank tape and put it in the vcr. Put it in before bed and play it all the way thru. Disgard the tape after your done. No damaging liquids or abrasives and fairly cheap too.