How can I clean my laser disc drive?

Hi there!

I have had my MacBook for almost 4 years and had no problems until recently. A few days ago, my DVD/CD reader drive decided to stop reading discs. I saw that many other people online have had this issue and that it might possibly be because there is dust or debris within the drive.

My Macbook ejects and DVD or CD that I insert after making a weird reading sound (not smooth sounding, as it did previously).

I saw your iFixit guide on replacing the drive, but if I wanted to just clean it, what would be the proper procedure so that I don't damage the drive (any more if it is damaged) in the process?

Do you think it's even possible that it's just dirty since it's not reading CDs or DVDs or do you think it's more likely that it's actually damaged?

Thank you for any help you can give!!

-Amber S.