How to Get Rid of Mold on Video Tapes

Mold can grow in areas of high humidity. If you live in the South and store your VHS tapes in the garage, odds are you have mold. Depending on where the mold is on your VHS, cleaning can be done with different solutions. Remove your tapes from the area where the mold is growing and allow them to air out before beginning.

If mold gets on the actual tape strip it can ruin the entire movie. Mold on the outside is time consuming to remove, but it can be done.

1. Remove VHS tape from package or box. Spread out on an old towel. You might want to do this job outside.


2. Mix a solution of two parts water and one part bleach. You can also add in one part of dishwashing liquid. Bleach will kill the mold.


3. Using a toothbrush or Q-tip, apply the mixture to the tape where the mold is visible. 


4. Continue to clean until the mold is completely loosened and removed.


5. Use a clean, damp cloth to go over the entire tape.


6. If mold has grown on the tape strip inside the black case, you will need to use rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip to try to remove it. It's possible that the mold has already damaged your movie though. Dip the q-tip in the rubbing alcohol. Moving in one direction, gently run the swab along the surface.


7. Let the tape air dry. Move it out of direct sunlight.


8. After an hour or so, check your tape to be certain all the mold is removed. Repeat the steps if necessary.


9. If you had your tape in a box, you will have to dispose, if molded. If you had it in a plastic case, you can use the same solution to clean it.

If you have several tapes, you will want to repeat the same steps. It's important to kill and remove as much mold as possible. Store tapes in an area with low humidity. High humidity encourages mold growth.