If your video camera doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to, or if you are getting unusual noises from the tape compartment, it's probably time to clean your video camera heads. It might be tempting to just grab some canned air and spray it into the tape compartment, but using canned air in the tape compartment of your camera can actually push dust deeper into the camera body where it can do serious damage. The safest way to remove debris from your video camera heads is to use cleaning tapes made specifically for that purpose.
Instructions
1. Buy a head cleaning tape that fits your camera directly from the manufacturer. There are a lot of generic products that you can get away with using with your camera, but when it comes to a camera head cleaner, it's best to use the one that is made for it. Head cleaning tapes will list the type of cameras that they can be used on. You should be able to find one that works with your camera at any electronics store.
2. Insert the head cleaning tape into the video compartment. Many head cleaning tapes are made all-in-one and have no additional solution. It's possible that your camera will require a tape that comes with an additional solution. If so, consult the instructions with the tape. It will tell you add the cleaning solution to the tape before inserting it into your camera.
3. Place your video camera on "VCR" or "Playback" mode. You need to be able to play the tape, so a head cleaner will not work if your camera is on "Camera" or "Record" mode.
4. Play the head cleaning tape. Let the tape play for 10 to 15 seconds. Head cleaning tapes are abrasive. Running the tape for an extended period can actually damage the heads on your video camera.
5. Eject the head cleaning tape, and flip your video camera to "Camera" or "Record" mode. If the dirty heads on your camera were causing a distorted image, you should be able to see the difference right away in your viewfinder.
Tags: your camera, your video, your video camera, head cleaning, video camera