As Super DLTtape drives and media have improved, the need for head cleaning has reduced significantly. However, environmental factors, cleanliness of operating locations and high duty cycles can impact drive performance. When cleaning is needed, specially formulated cleaning cartridges can keep Super DLTtape drives running strong.

1. Always clean drives when cleaning is indicated through the cleaning light or through the backup software. The drive constantly monitors its performance and will trigger cleaning events.
   
   
2. Only use a cleaning cartridge when cleaning is indicated through your backup software, or when the drive's cleaning light is illuminated. Cleaning on a preset schedule, rather than when requested by the drive, leads to excessive wear, diminishing drive life and performance.
   
   
3. Using a cleaning cartridge more than 20 times results in ineffective head cleaning. Always mark the label on your cleaning cartridge. After the cartridge has been used 20 times, it must be retired.
   
   
4. Know which Super DLTtape cleaning cartridge works for your drive. A full range of Super DLTtape cleaning cartridges are available. Each was developed for optimal read/write head performance with its matching drive. Review the Cleaning Cartridge Compatibility chart on this data sheet to determine which cartridge can be used with your drive.
   
   
5. Periodically checking for drive firmware updates on the web, will help keep your drive running at optimal performance.