Any risks involved with cleaning laser lens

[type-z]

I have decided to clean my PS2 laser's lens after going through the various troubleshooting guides and threads. Seems like I have been having to hit reset multiple times to boot CDR backups lately and thought cleaning the lens might help. Also some of the FMV scenes are choppy.

Is there a proper way for cleaning the lens? Do you all simply use alcohol and qtip? Are there any risks involved with cleaning the lens. Can it be damaged with repeated cleaning? how often should the lens be cleaned?

[Abacabb00]

I just VERY LIGHTLY rub a qtip across it. No solvents or cleaners. Again, VERY LIGHTLY!

[ian]

if you want to be safe, use one of those cd lens cleaners. i think they have one at Walmart, but it's not as effective as the Q tip though.

[Jan Lee]

I personally don't recommend using cotton swaps to clean lasers, CDs, DVDs, & ect. {somebody in '95 exchange the PSX b\c of that... } Like ian said "if you want to be safe, use one of those CD lens cleaners" {you got to treat this things like a baby's butt, soft so it doesn't cry and the smell... } Always use the softest thing that you can use (lint free) and make sure to clean the Game-Discs too.

Here's an old "FAQ" from pker that's kinda related, that was lying around on the PC:

"CD-R burning tends to be very clean, but over time, you can build up dust or other particles on the optical lens, which will need to be cleaned.
If you are burning from another CD, you should make sure that the original CD is in good condition. Many CDs that you might buy second hand, or from the used video game section at your local video store, may have dirt, finger prints, and scratches all over them. These scratches etc. will cause errors when making a backup of the CD. Before you go out and buy filler kits to repair scratched CDs, or send the CD out to be re-surfaced by a professional, try cleaning you CD with denatured alcohol. Use ONLY denatured alcohol, as denatured alcohol evaporates leaving no chemical residue. Isopropyl and other ?disinfectant? type alcohol leave a chemical residue behind which in large enough doses could harm your CD-R. Simply use a cotton swab or other soft non-abrasive towel, to carefully clean off all of the fingerprints and dirt from the CD. You will be surprised what you can?t see. You should be left with a mirror like finish on the CD. Even if there are a few scratches, if the CD is extremely clean, those scratches may not stop you from making an accurate backup."

Good Luck!!!

[Cpt_Obvious]

Arrrr...I use a wet-brush laser lens cleaner that is designed for CD and DVD players (costs like 10 bux) I have to run it on my PS2 about once every other week or so, cuz my system is on the bottom shelf of my entertainment center...and with dogs and dust that poor thing gets dirty fast! (not to mention that there's almost always somebody using it! So they are!!!)

[SledDog]

Blaze makes a cleaning disc specifically for the PSX/PS2. Available at most gaming outlets for $9.95