VCR maintenance: Everything you need to know about keeping your VCR clean and working properly.
Almost every household has at least one VCR. VCRs provide families with hours of entertainment and, with just a small amount of maintenance, will last for a long time.
To begin with, it's important to know a little bit about how a VCR works. Basically, a VCR has either 2 of 4 heads. It is these heads that "read" the videotape. As the videotape is pulled across these heads, the picture and sounds are read off the tape and transferred to your television screen. These heads are usually what cause most of your problems.
After viewing hours of tape, the heads become dirty and the quality of the images and sounds diminish. This is very easy to fix. Simply purchase a "VCR Head Cleaning Kit." These can be purchased anywhere videotapes and/or VCRs are sold. Simply follow the directions on the kit - it usually just involves inserting a special videotape (included in the kit), pressing "Play," and letting the VCR run for a few seconds.
If this kit does not solve your problem, it may be that the inside of the VCR is dirty. This is also simply fix. To begin, UNPLUG THE VCR. You should see several small screws on the back or underneath the VCR. These hold on the cover. Carefully remove the screws and place them somewhere you won't lose them. Next, carefully remove the cover - Do Not Force It, it should come off easily. Use a soft cloth of a duster to clean any dust or dirt out from the inside. A small vacuum cleaner is also good for this. Don't be afraid to touch the electronic components, a soft touch will not hurt them. Replace the cover and screws and try the VCR again.
If cleaning it doesn't work, you may want to take it to a repair shop. Most honest repair shops will not charge you a large amount to repair a VCR. Just make sure that they will call you if it will be very expensive.
