My PS2 is starting to have problems reading game discs, and I'm pretty sure it's because of a dirty lens or disc. Aside from paying $77 for the Sony place to clean it, can anyone recommend a disc and/or lens cleaner, and/or a procedure on cleaning discs and lenses? I know there are cloths to clean CDs and special CDs to clean lenses, but do those really work?

For the record, Sony recommends against trying to clean the laser of the PS2.  I have no idea if those things work or not.  I bought one for my PC DVD-ROM once, but it seemed to have no effect, good or bad.

If you still have a fat PS2, my recommendation is to trade it in towards a slim PS2 before it stops working completely.

it may be because of dirt on the lens, but as we all know - PS2s are very fragile and most people after a year or so have to buy new one, because old just doesnt work anymore.
people are really pissed about this little detail.
disc cleaner might work, but if your laser is wearing out(most likely), you will have to get new system or repair it(change for a new laser).
regards.

More than likely it's your laser getting out of alignment. I've fixed 5 or 6 PS2's in the past when they had the infamous "disc read error". But first, and the easiest step would be to open your unit, use a q-tip and alcohol. Rub lightly on the lens when cleaning as not to scratch it. I'm not sure of the glass hardness or any coatings on the lens, so I'm not sure how easily they can be scratched. BTW, the alcohol not only helps the Q-tip absorb dust, etc, but dries and disvoles any greasy film on the lens.

As for disc cleaners, I've used the Game Dr. scratch remover and a memorex cleaner/scratch remover. The Game Dr. works about 10 times better. Don't get the hand crank model unless you like making homemade butter/icecream. Some have power adapters included and some don't. Don't get screwed with the unit that doesn't have the power adapter included unless you like purchasing batteries every week. The Game Dr. has fixed about 95% of my games that were previously unplayable.

Last but not least, google "PS2 repair" "disc read error", because most likely your problem is realignment and it's a very easy procedure to repair. Good Luck W.