Use a cotton tipped cleaning swab for cleaning heads. Never use a dirty swab for this procedure. Once the swab has visible dirt on it, dispose it and use a new swab. Swabs are much cheaper than heads. Position the unit so you have good clear view of the heads. Dip the cleaning swab into our cleaning solution. Rub the swab across the head “IN” the direction the tape travels across the heads. Never run the swab crosswise across the heads. You can apply as much pressure as is needed to get all the dirt and residue off the heads. Even a very small amount of residue on the heads can cause marked reductions in sound quality. So, be sure to thoroughly clean the heads. You can also use this solution on the tape guides, lifters, and capstans.