Can mouldy VHS tapes be digitised safely?
- Michael Smith
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Finding mould on an old VHS tape can be worrying. Many people assume the tape is ruined, unsafe to handle, or impossible to digitise — but that isn’t always the case.
The good news is that mouldy VHS tapes can often still be digitised safely, provided they’re assessed and handled correctly. In this guide, we’ll explain what mould on a tape actually means, the risks involved, and when professional cleaning is required.
Why do VHS tapes grow mould?
VHS tapes are made from magnetic tape wound tightly inside a plastic cassette. When stored in damp, cold, or poorly ventilated environments — such as lofts, garages, sheds, or cellars — moisture can build up inside the cassette.
Over time, this creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow on the tape surface.
Common causes include:
Long-term storage in lofts or garages
Condensation from temperature changes
Flooding or water damage
Tapes stored tightly together with no airflow
Mould often appears as:
White, grey, or green powdery residue
Fuzzy growth inside the cassette window
A musty or damp smell
Is it dangerous to play a mouldy VHS tape?
Yes — playing a mouldy tape without inspection can cause damage.
If mould is present:
It can clog video heads inside the VCR
It can permanently scratch the tape
It can spread mould spores to other tapes
It can damage playback equipment
This is why we never recommend inserting a mouldy tape into a home VHS player.
Can mouldy VHS tapes be cleaned?
In many cases, yes.
Professional tape cleaning involves:
Opening the cassette (if required)
Carefully removing surface mould
Re-spooling and tension-checking the tape
Inspecting for physical damage or binder breakdown
Not every tape can be saved, but a surprising number can still be recovered with careful handling.
Should I try cleaning a mouldy tape myself?
We strongly advise against DIY cleaning.
Common mistakes include:
Using alcohol or household cleaners
Wiping the tape surface by hand
Fast-forwarding or rewinding repeatedly
Playing the tape “to see if it’s okay”
These can cause irreversible damage and make recovery impossible.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to have the tape assessed first.
What happens if a tape is too badly affected?
If mould has:
Penetrated deeply into the tape layers
Caused the tape to stick together
Damaged the magnetic coating
…then full recovery may not be possible.
In those cases, we’ll always explain:
What can be recovered
What risks are involved
Whether it’s worth proceeding
Nothing is digitised without approval.
How we handle mouldy VHS tapes at Cambs Digitise
At Cambs Digitise, every tape is assessed individually.
Our process includes:
Visual inspection before playback
Separation from clean tapes
Controlled cleaning where appropriate
Careful, real-time digitisation
Honest advice if a tape cannot be saved
We never rush mould-affected tapes, and we never put equipment — or your memories — at risk.
Local drop-off and assessment
If you’re based in Cambridgeshire or the surrounding areas, we offer local drop-off by appointment at our Tadlow office, along with collection options across nearby towns and villages.
We regularly work with customers from Royston, Cambridge, Letchworth, Baldock, Hitchin, and throughout South Cambridgeshire and North Hertfordshire, making it easy to hand over fragile tapes safely without relying on postal services.
This local service allows us to:
Inspect tapes safely on arrival
Advise you on condition and recovery options before any work begins
Avoid unnecessary postal handling for delicate or mould-affected media
Unsure whether your tape can be saved?
If you’ve found mould on a VHS tape and don’t know what to do next, feel free to get in touch. A quick assessment can often save both time and irreplaceable footage.
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