One embodiment of a threader assembly for a tape drive has a retractable head brush assembly that is articulated into and out of wiping contact with the tape head. The head brush assembly is integrated into the cartridge loading assembly such that some of the same components used to load and unload the media tape also articulate the head brush assembly. In one version, the head brush assembly comprises a set of bristles that are mounted to a pair of brush arms. The head brush assembly has a cleaning position wherein the bristles are pivoted to wipe across the air bearing surface of the tape head. When the head brush assembly is in the cleaning position, the tape head is cleaned through the movement of the brush relative to the head. The head brush assembly also has a spring-biased storage position wherein the entire head brush assembly is pivotally retracted away from the tape head.