
In fact, as long as it’s only temporary, videotapes can be safely stored in a warm environment. Therefore, it would be preferable to convert the recorded content on your old VHS tape to a digital format in order to preserve it for as long as possible.Although they are an outdated form of media, VHS tapes are still surprisingly durable when exposed to the elements. If you still have a collection of videos from the 1990s, some of the content will undoubtedly have degraded over the years.You should be aware that VHS tape can degrade over time, even if you have a VHS player handy to watch them. Tapes kept in a climate-controlled environment have a much longer shelf life than those kept improperly. According to studies, even well-stored tapes you’ve only watched once will suffer up to 20% signal loss over a ten to twenty-five-year period.VHS tapes have a lifespan of 10 to 25 years.

Films on VHS don’t have a set shelf life, but it’s obvious that they won’t last forever. That’s why malfunctions on old VHS tapes are unavoidable after a while. Overusing something can result in scratches and technical issues, while neglecting it will result in mold and dirt. VHS tapes deteriorate over time due to excessive or infrequent use. A VHS tape can be made to have sound, but how?.Send us your old tapes today and we will digitize them so you don’t have to worry. While there are some ways to restore your videos, the best way is to get them digitized before the damage is done. Prevent Damaged Tapes By Digitizing Your CollectionĪll this to say, damaged tapes are never fun to discover and can be hard to deal with. That said, if your tapes are cracked, but the film seems to be okay - there are ways to transfer your tape to another tape. We all know that we are moving to the digital era, so it’s not often to find someone who can restore a broken VHS tape. Maybe another box falls onto your box of old VHS tapes and it cracks the hardware of your most precious tape.Įither way, VHS tape restorations are tricky. There could be animals that decided to use your tape and film as a nice, warm bed, or there could be kids who decided it would be fun to see if your video cassettes were baseball bat proof. Sure, VHS tapes are hefty, firm, and feel like they could last a century. However, once clean, get those videos digitized! 3. You may also be able to use an electric tape cleaner to safely clean your VHS tapes. If you discover mold on your tapes, there are safe ways to clean them like gently wiping them down with a dry, soft cloth. Sounds extreme and it is! That means your precious memories can be gone forever.

Mold can cause the exact same damage as water, with a few other problems like the mold can eat through your videotape. Yep, you can have moldy VHS tapes and this is a little tricky to recover from. If the tapes aren’t too damaged, it’s not too late! 2. If you feel like your tapes are dry enough, carefully try to play them in your VCR.Įven though VHS tapes can survive some water damage, the best trick to keep your home movies safe is to get them digitized. Once dry, examine your tape, the film, and the hardware. Lay your VHS tapes out on a dry cloth and let them air dry in a temperature-controlled room. What can you do if you discover water damage? DRY IT OUT.
VHS TAPE BROKEN CRACK
Meaning, if your tapes contract water in the summer, the winter temperature can cause those droplets to expand and crack your tape altogether. Water damage can make the tape very weak, so if you tried to play your tape, it could snap.Īdditionally, water expands when it freezes. What happens with water damage? Droplets of water can ruin the tape on the inside causing fading and discoloration. Moisture from the air can get into any space, including your VHS tapes.

You may not know it, but your tapes are susceptible to water damage.even if you have it in a pretty dry spot.
VHS TAPE BROKEN HOW TO
3 COMMON WAYS VHS TAPES CAN BE DAMAGED AND HOW TO RESTORE THEM 1. It should be safe, right?” We understand that you’ve treated your memories with care, but sometimes mother nature decides to intervene with our plans.ĭon’t worry, we are here to help ease your mind! Let’s discuss the kind of damage that can be done to your tapes and what you can do to restore them. So, as you get around to pulling your tubs of VHS tapes out of the closet or basement, you might find a damaged VHS tape! “But, I have it stored away in a box. Who knew your VHS tapes would be so important? We did! I mean, your home movies are the closest things to the past! You can rewatch your family reunion, see videos of your great grandparents, and enjoy that moment your cousin tripped down the aisle at your wedding. We understand how important your home movies are, trust us.
