Cleaning the optical reader?

[disksko]

I have a store-bought game that has a couple scratches and lately will get "stuck" while loading.

Should I even bother buying one of those CD´s with brushes that clean the PS2 optical reader?

Any other suggestions??

THANKS!
Ben.

 

[aaronkupen]

I used a cue tip with some rubbing alcohol, I have no idea if that's a good way to do it but it worked like a charm for me.