Devices, methods and systems for cleaning a tape media within a tape
cartridge are described, particularly removable cleaning device inserts,
and cartridges adapted to use cleaning device inserts. Removable cleaning
device inserts generally include a holdfast surface and one or more tape
cleaners comprising a cleaning surface. A holdfast surface may be used to
secure the cleaning device insert within a tape cartridge. Tape
cartridges for use with a cleaning device insert may include a housing at
least partly enclosing a tape pathway, and an accessway through the
housing for loading a cleaning device insert into the tape pathway within
the tape cartridge housing. A tape media may be cleaned by inserting a
cleaning device insert having a tape cleaner with a cleaning surface into
a tape cartridge and contacting the cleaning surface to a tape traveling
along the tape pathway.