Cassette Tape (not deck) Maintenance?

I see many articles out there detailing how to properly maintain a tape deck.

Is there any recommended maintenance procedure/cleaning regimen for the individual tapes played as well? I am having trouble finding solid information on that front. Most articles seem to be about dealing with repairing bad cassettes, not on maintaining ones already in good shape, assuming for the sake of argument, proper deck maintenance.

 

I would say store them so that their reels are vertical, not laying flat. Play them now and then, possibly fast winding it first if it hasn’t been played in a while. Play a side from one end to the other before long term storage, so that the wind of the tape is smooth.

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)

 

tapeheads.net is the best site for all things tape related.

 

I couldn't find any articles that dealt with the subject of individual cassette tape maintenance..do you have a link?

 

Not off the top of my head, but there are many knowledgeable and friendly people there that will give you the advice you need.

 

Yup.. just play them once a while and otherwise they pretty much take care of themselves. Like everything they do degrade eventually... but heck even early cd's now are starting to have issues.