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CPSC recall · Reported May 11, 2005

CPSC, RadioShack Announce Recall of Video Head Cleaner

The cleaning solution bottle, which is labeled as containing isopropanol, actually contains methanol. Methanol can be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. It is much more toxic …

Recall #
05169
Affected scope
About 1 million
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
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The CPSC recalled The recalled non-abrasive "Wet System" Video Head Cleaner was sold in a box labeled "Vide… - a moderate-severity action.

CPSC, RadioShack Announce Recall of Video Head Cleaner was recalled and listed by the CPSC in May 11, 2005. Reason: The cleaning solution bottle, which is labeled as containing isopropanol, actually contains methanol. Methano…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately place this product out of reach of children and return the p…. Verify recall #05169 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The cleaning solution bottle, which is labeled as containing isopropanol, actually contains methanol. Methano….

Moderate
severity level
May 11, 2005
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #05169 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #05169) was formally reported on May 11, 2005. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 1 million.

The documented reason for this recall is: The cleaning solution bottle, which is labeled as containing isopropanol, actually contains methanol. Methanol can be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. It is much more toxic than isopropanol. Also, the cleaning sol… Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately place this product out of reach of children and return the product to the nearest RadioShack store for a refund, or dispose of the bottle of cleaning fluid in accordance … - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Children & Baby Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,731 children & baby products recalls on record

0100200300400500600 20052008201120142017202020232026 146
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 1 million

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recalled non-abrasive "Wet System" Video Head Cleaner was sold in a box labeled "Video Head Cleaner," "RadioShack" and "44-1230" or "44-1213." The box contains a cleaning video cassette and a bottle of cleaning solution. The 4-inch-high white plastic cleaning solution bottle is labeled "Video Head Cleaning Fluid" or "Cleaning Liquid for HEAD CLEANER." Other writing on the bottle includes "Contents: Isopropanol," and the item number "44-1230" or "44-1213."

Reason for recall

The cleaning solution bottle, which is labeled as containing isopropanol, actually contains methanol. Methanol can be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. It is much more toxic than isopropanol. Also, the cleaning solution bottle does not have special cautionary labeling and child-resistant packaging, as required by Federal regulation for methanol.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately place this product out of reach of children and return the product to the nearest RadioShack store for a refund, or dispose of the bottle of cleaning fluid in accordance with all state and local requirements.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 05169
Date reported May 11, 2005
Date initiated May 11, 2005
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Affected scope About 1 million
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should immediately place this product out of reach of children and return the product to the nearest RadioShack store f…

  • Check the recall number (05169) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The recalled non-abrasive "Wet System" Video Head Cleaner was sold in a box labeled "Video Head Cleaner," "RadioShack" and "44-1230" or "44-1213." The box contains a cleaning video cassette and a bottle of cleaning solution. The 4-inch-high white plastic cleaning solution bottle is labeled "Video Head Cleaning Fluid" or "Cleaning Liquid for HEAD CLEANER." Other writing on the bottle includes "Contents: Isopropanol," and the item number "44-1230" or "44-1213.". Units affected: About 1 million.
Why was this product recalled?
The cleaning solution bottle, which is labeled as containing isopropanol, actually contains methanol. Methanol can be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. It is much more toxic than isopropanol. Also, the cleaning solution bottle does not have special cautionary labeling and child-resistant packaging, as required by Federal regulation for methanol.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately place this product out of reach of children and return the product to the nearest RadioShack store for a refund, or dispose of the bottle of cleaning fluid in accordance with all state and local requirements.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 11, 2005. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 05169.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (05169) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported May 11, 2005. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.