WHO MAKES A DVD PLAYER AND RECORDER SKIN
Again, don't touch it with your fingers, as the oils on your skin will smudge just about anything you touch. We only advocate using this as a last resort, but you can actually clean the lens by hand. Compressed air canisters are cheap, static-free and easy to find at any electronics store. Both devices create a fair amount of static electricity, and while the risk is low when you're vacuuming or blowing away external dust, there's no reason to risk it. You can technically use a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer to clean the inside of the case, but it might be safer not to do so. Once you've got the case open, blast out dust from the corners with a compressed air canister. The brush is really just moving around dust, which means it can also knock more dirt onto the lens or just move dust around inside the machine for it to settle later. It's great when it works, but use with caution.
As the DVD spins, the brush knocks off dirt and dust particles from the lens. Instead, you'll have to rely on cleaning discs - yes, the very same discs forbidden by DVD manuals! Cleaning discs are designed like regular DVDs, but with a tiny brush on one side. This can be a pain because, as you may have noticed, the lens is located deep inside the DVD player and you probably won't be able to reach it without busting out an adorably tiny screwdriver. If you're having a serious problem with your DVD player, nine times out of 10 it's because the lens is dusty. Make sure not to spray the surface of the DVD player directly, as any drips or seepage from the cleaning fluid can cause serious internal problems. If you do somehow actually spill something wet or sticky onto the outer casing, unplug the player immediately and wipe down the surface with a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser. For general, light cleaning, just dust the DVD player case once a week or so with a damp cloth, and try not to spill maple syrup directly into the vents. There are two reasons to clean your DVD player: to perform general maintenance and to wipe up spills. Coming up, we've got some guidelines for ridding your DVD player of dust bunnies and dirt. So, while there's definitely a risk factor to cleaning your DVD player, there are also safe ways to keep it dust-free and in good working order. On the other hand, if your beloved but warranty-less DVD player isn't working, what are you supposed to do? Go up to the attic to watch videos on a VCR like some ape creature in a cave? No, thank you. Accidents are inevitable, and if the cleaning process somehow scratches the lens or accidentally breaks some fragile yet irreplaceable part, there won't be anyone to cry to. Should you listen to them? That's up to you.
WHO MAKES A DVD PLAYER AND RECORDER MANUALS
That's why DVD instruction manuals are virtually unanimous in forbidding the use of cleaning discs and alcohol swabs as well as generally mucking around with the hardware. DVD players are usually cheerful, obliging machines, but start messing around with them, and even the cheap ones can become dusty little prima donnas. Before you start cleaning, we have a word or two of caution. If your DVD is on the fritz, you need to get that dust out. Electronics are serious dust magnets, and particles that enter through the vents can work their way to the laser lens that reads the disc, making your picture go all weird or even forcing the DVD player give up on reading anything at all. While the case is only vulnerable to liquid spills and sticky-handed toddlers, both the vents and the lens are extremely sensitive to dust. There are basically three places that you need to keep clean on your DVD player: the case, the vents and the lens.
If you didn't drop it off the roof and it's not on fire, all it needs is a good dusting. DVD players aren't heavy-duty electronics, which makes their malfunctions mercifully easy to diagnose. However, when your player does break down, a thorough cleaning can be just what it needs for another few years of life. Too much invasive cleaning isn't good for the DVD player - in general, it's better to just leave it alone to get on with its movie-playing business.
Provide a little moisture once a week by dusting it with a damp (not wet!) cloth and it'll be fine. Taking care of a DVD player is a lot like taking care of a cactus.