What is the best method to clean Tape Head

[alwayslogo]

Hi
I am looking for solution to clean tape head of my sony cassette deck.

The Philips Head cleaner which was available earlier is not hard to get nowadays.

So just wanted to know how u all clean the tape head?

Regards
Logo

 

[Technics_Fan]

I have been using Isopropyl Alchohol (IPA) with good results for the past several years. I have not experienced anything bad. Suggest you use 99% IPA solution for cleaning the heads tape guides / capstan.

You will be able to find IPA in electronic shops.

The ideal way is to use a Cotton swabs ( try to get the longer one and the ones which are made of wood so that they don't bend). Wet the cotton swab with IPA slightly (no too much) use a side to side action with gentle pressure.
You may have to repeat the process until all gunk / tape oxide / binder resin has completely disappeared and your head is shiny and spotless. I use a torch and magnifying glass to examine the head.

Hope this helps.

Warm Regards,
Technics_Fan

 

[jayants]

Hi
I am looking for solution to clean tape head of my sony cassette deck.

The Philips Head cleaner which was available earlier is not hard to get nowadays.

So just wanted to know how u all clean the tape head?

Regards
Logo

Use plain saliva with soft clean cotton cloth.
Trust me it will serve your purpose. Pure disi taaarika

 

[greenhorn]

Use plain saliva with soft clean cotton cloth.
Trust me it will serve your purpose. Pure disi taaarika

and your cassette deck will smell after a few days

 

[Shivam]

I prefer Iso-propyl alcohol along with a microfibre cloth (3M).

 

[vnmathur57]

Use nail polish remover(when she is away

 

[reubensm]

If its just a head routine clean, I use a Johnson ear bud, dipped in luke-warm water. If its a major clean after a lot of play and when an oxide coat is visible, I use a Johnson ear bud dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. For the pinch roller and capstan, I always use a Johnson ear bud dipped in luke-warm water (never use isopropyl alcohol or any kind of spirit on the plastics and rubber parts)

 

[jayants]

and your cassette deck will smell after a few days

If it smells and plays better....be it.

 

[ramram2000]

Well, using saliva to clean tape heads might remove quite a bit of sugary deposits from the heads. However, whats on the heads are magnetic particulates. Moreover, saliva will leave a mutinous layer when dried on the heads and thats might not be good for the heads or the tape path.
So the best method IME is to use a wooden long handled cotton tipped applicator dipped in American recorder's S721 H2, which is formulated to dry quickly as well as condition the rubber rollers as well, besides cleaning the heads and leaving NO RESIDUE.
People have recommended MEK( methyl ethyl ketone) although on crystalloy Nakamichi heads I'd be skeptical using that.
Another alternative is to use denatured spirit which will clean great but might dry your rollers which are rubber.

All in all I do not really recommend isopropyl alcohol( 70 % alcohol) unless the concentration is much mush higher. 70% isopropyl will dry late.

 

[surendar]

Head cleaning tapes are still available in ebay but are bit expensive nowadays. I have this two cleaning tapes 1) Dry cleaning tape from TDK 2) Wet cleaning tape by Philips which comes with a cleaning solution. The dry one did not have any effect when used in my horizontal loading cassette deck. The wet one worked great.

 

[Fantastic]

Locally available IPA is fine. Remember the last wipe must be with a dry cotton bud. So drying time of the solvent won't matter. IPA is safer than other stronger solvents which might instantaneously kill rubber parts if they spill. Just a miniscule drop is enough !

 

[JayaRaa]

Have RCA brand head cleaner kit for sale, if anyone interested.

 

[Mayank Shah]

Hi
I am looking for solution to clean tape head of my sony cassette deck.

The Philips Head cleaner which was available earlier is not hard to get nowadays.

So just wanted to know how u all clean the tape head?

Regards
Logo

Hi, I used to use surgical spirit with a soft cloth. Worked well. Also sometimes if you feel you are loosing out on clarity, use a fine Philips screw driver to tune the head. 2 screws on either side if the head. 1 is fixed and the other one is spring loaded. Can lower or raise the head. Play a tape and adjust for best results. Cheers.