Abstract: The cleaning elements are used in cleaning cassettes for cleaning the tape-contacting parts of a tape transport device, particularly a data tape transport device. The cleaning elements are high-density springy, absorbent foam pads each having an indented linear fused section or groove transverse to the direction in which wiping forces tend to remove the cleaning element from its holder. Ridges are provided in the holder to engage the grooves so as to securely hold the cleaning elements in place, and make it relatively easy to remove and replace them. The pads are made by partially die-cutting a foam sheet to form individual pads which can be torn free from the sheet along perforation lines, and forming the linear fused section in each of a plurality of pads simultaneously by contacting the sheet with a linear heated die.