Abstract: A cleaning method for a video tape recorder (VTR) employs a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is applied to a tape surface of a tape-shaped support. The tape surface then slides against a surface of a VTR component, such as a magnetic head surface, to clean the surface. The cleaning liquid is a mixture of perfluorocarbons having a boiling point of about 56.degree. C. to about 155.degree. C. The cleaning liquid may also contain a hydrocarbon based solvent and a fluorine based resin. The cleaning liquid acts to clean and to prevent redeposition of contaminants on the surface of VTR component.