Wet tape media

[Guest]

I just had my basement flooded.A bunch of my vhs tapes got soaked.Should I pitch them? There is some historical footage I would like to recover if it is not too much trouble. Not deeply important. Dont really want to take the tapes apart.Any options?

[edDV]

Research VHS data recovery on Google.
This is a specialized field but you can gather hints.

[doppletwo]

Probably gently drying would be best.

I have got audio tapes wet and dried them.

The tapes a heat sensitive so you should dry then with minimal heat. (I. E. not a hair dryer or somehting like that.)

[Skith]

I am no expert, but if there was sediment in the flooded water, it may cause problems. You might considter "gently" rinsing them in distilled water, then setting them let them air dry for a good 24 hours (mabey longer).

****Disclaimer****
Then again, I really do not know much about this sort of thing, so this is just a last resort Idea. Do not blame me if it does not work.

Comments welcom, sharp objects welcome, Flames... Not Welcome.

[Noahtuck]

Research VHS data recovery on Google.
This is a specialized field but you can gather hints.

I agree..... If memory serves me, cleaning tape or film they use a special chemical, but as edDV stated, i think it's pretty specialized area, espc. if there was any sediment..... but i may just be recalling things i have seen & read about film and not VHS tape, if just wet, i don't know.... never had that problem
Man... sorry to hear it!!! hopefully it was not anything real important
Good luck & i hope you find out some info and save what you want to save!!!!!!!!

[redwudz]

I think I would go with Skiths idea. Rinse them in a LOT of distilled water to get all the debris out and let them dry in a low humidity atmosphere for about a week.

Try to play one. If it's a lost cause, well, you gave it a try. To go beyond that would require a disassembly of the cassettes and a cleaning of the tape from end to end or professional recovery.

[edDV]

Some links

http://www.crica.com/specs/recover.html
http://www.vdem.state.va.us/library/floodrecovery02.pdf
http://www.taperesources.com/useful_info.html