How To Actually Clean A VHS Tape (Without Killing It)
Start with the case. A soft cloth and a tiny amount of mild cleaner can do a lot for plastic, but keep liquid far away from the tape opening and label. Let everything dry completely before the cassette goes back inside.
For the cassette shell, use a dry microfiber cloth and a soft brush around the seams. If the tape itself shows mold, wrinkling, or sticky residue, stop. That is a repair job, not a casual cleaning session, and playing it can damage both the tape and your VCR.
Never put rubbing alcohol directly on magnetic tape. When in doubt, isolate the cassette from the rest of the collection and ask a preservation or transfer specialist. Saving one tape is not worth feeding the whole shelf through a contaminated deck.