A 3D-printed VHS cleaner is saving memories from mold
1 min read
Summary
A new device has been created to help preserve aging and precious VHS tapes by cleaning the mould that forms on them – a particular problem for tapes that have been stored in potentially damp environments like attics or basements.
Created by Tony Crouch, who runs the website VHSisLife.com, the machine is made from 3D-printed parts and uses a cleaning pad to clean the mould off the tape whilst two motors move the spools to rewind and play the tape.
The device also has a vacuum function to ensure that the mould that is removed from the tapes is not spread around the room.
So far, Crouch has shipped 600 of the mould cleaning devices, which took around 25 minutes to clean a tape and cost $140, and is now selling versions that work with other analogue formats such as Betamax and DV tape.