Erider:
If your tapes have already deteriorated to the point they are flaking, and the residue is clogging the heads on your tape deck, you may have larger problem than just cleaning them so you can archive them. Given their irreplaceable nature, I think you would be well advised to find a professional archiving service that specializes in restoring old magnetic tapes. I recently did this for a batch of old magnetic tape voice recordings of family members who are long gone, and I'm really glad I spent the money and had it done right. (I also had professional company transfer a bunch of 8mm home movies made in the 1940's onto videotape and CD-ROM, added a soundtrack, and gave them for Christmas gifts to the whole family.)
If you botch the cleaning job, the tapes may be ruined for good, so do it right the first time.
If your tapes have already deteriorated to the point they are flaking, and the residue is clogging the heads on your tape deck, you may have larger problem than just cleaning them so you can archive them. Given their irreplaceable nature, I think you would be well advised to find a professional archiving service that specializes in restoring old magnetic tapes. I recently did this for a batch of old magnetic tape voice recordings of family members who are long gone, and I'm really glad I spent the money and had it done right. (I also had professional company transfer a bunch of 8mm home movies made in the 1940's onto videotape and CD-ROM, added a soundtrack, and gave them for Christmas gifts to the whole family.)
If you botch the cleaning job, the tapes may be ruined for good, so do it right the first time.