Cleaner & Accessory Compatibility Guide
Building your VHS is LIFE cleaning setup starts with your tape format. Choose a cleaner, match the spindles to your cassette or reel, and add cleaning pads. This guide helps you choose accessories for VHS mold cleaning—also called mould cleaning—without ordering parts you already have.
1. Choose your cleaner
The VHS is LIFE Analog Tape Mold Cleaner is the standalone machine. The Cleaner with Vacuum Bundle adds the desktop HEPA vacuum. VHS spindles come with the cleaner; other tape formats require the appropriate accessory spindles. PEC-PAD wipes are sold separately.
2. Match your tape format to the spindles
| Tape or reel format | Choose | Before you order |
|---|---|---|
| VHS | VHS spindles | Included with every cleaner. Order another set only for spares or replacements. |
| Betamax / Betacam | Betamax / Betacam spindles | Supports Betamax, Betacam, Betacam SP, Betacam L, Betacam SX, Digital Betacam and Fujifilm MPEG IMX tapes. |
| VHS-C, standard hub | Standard VHS-C spindles | Compare your hub with the product photos. VHS-C Big-Dot uses a separate set. |
| VHS-C, Big-Dot hub | VHS-C Big-Dot spindles | Choose by hub style, not just the VHS-C name. |
| MiniDV | Mini-DV spindles | The set includes a Free Spin spindle. Watch the MiniDV setup instructions before use. |
| Video8 / Hi8 / Digital8 | Video8 / Hi8 / Digital8 spindles | These are cassette formats, different from the 3-inch reel accessories below. |
| MII | MII spindle set | Uses an MII spindle together with a standard VHS spindle supplied with the cleaner. The set also includes MII and VHS Free Spin spindles. |
| U-Matic S or L/Studio | U-Matic modular spindles | Not compatible with early cleaners whose top cleaning post is in the uppermost left corner. Contact us before ordering if you have that layout. |
| V2000 | V2000 spindles | Includes two standard and two Free Spin V2000 spindles. |
| 3-inch 8mm reels | 8mm reel spindles | Choose the reel accessory rather than the Video8 cassette set. |
| 3-inch Super 8mm reels | Super 8mm reel spindles | A separate accessory from the standard 8mm reel spindles. |
Cleaning several tape formats?
The Spindle Bundle includes all spindle sets available for sale on the website, as well as any Free Spin spindles that are not already part of a set. Review the full contents and format-specific compatibility notes before ordering.
3. Add cleaning pads
PEC-PAD lint-free wipes are available in packs of 100, each measuring 4 × 4 inches. These are the cleaning wipes specified for the VHS is LIFE cleaner. Read the cleaner instructions for fitting and using the pads.
Do I need a Free Spin spindle?
A Free Spin spindle works with an existing format-specific spindle set; it does not replace a complete set. Check what your set already includes before adding another. The Free Spin product page has the available formats and a demonstration video.
Before you begin cleaning
This is an accessory selection guide, not a replacement for the operating instructions. Read Mold Cleaning 101, the instructions supplied with your cleaner, and the relevant format-specific videos. If you cannot identify the hub style or have an older cleaner, contact VHS is LIFE before buying an adapter.