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How to Clean a PS2 Slim Laser

The PS2 laser is responsible for reading the content of DVDs and game discs.
laser image by serge simo from Fotolia.com

As you use your PlayStation 2 console, the lens that reads discs will undoubtedly collect dust, hair and other debris that could inhibit playback. Although you shouldn't have to clean the lens often (Sony actually recommends against cleaning the lens at all, as you could damage it permanently), a console plagued with disc-read errors and skipping could be due to a dirty lens. Cleaning the lens of your Slim PlayStation 2 console doesn't take more than a few minutes.

Things You'll Need:

  • Compressed Air
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Isopropyl Alcohol Or Lens Cleaner

Open the lid to the PS2's disc tray.

Spray the lens with a few quick, short bursts of compressed air, keeping the nozzle several inches away from the lens.

Apply a small amount of lens cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to one end of a cotton swab.

Rub the damp end of the cotton swab against the lens in a gentle, circular motion, for roughly 10 seconds. Be incredibly careful and use a miniscule amount of pressure so you don't accidentally scratch the lens.

Dry the lens using the opposite end of the cotton swab.

Tip

DVD cleaning discs are also available. These discs have small, soft bristles that clean the lens as you play them. Just pop the disc into your console and follow the on-screen instructions.

Warnings:

  • Do not touch the lens with your fingers, the nozzle on the can of compressed air or anything other than the soft ends of the cotton swabs.
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