Do DVD cleaning discs work for DVD player

[jamoskeag3]

I have a friend who has a portable DVD player.
When she plays disc, the discs are stating to skip. (It is not motion that is causing problem, as does it stationary)
Do these dvd palyer cleaning discs I see in the store really work?
Can they harm the dvd player?
Thanks
I hope i put this question in the right forum.

[photo_angel2004]

I have used them and found they do work somethimes Ihave had to run them more the once though.

Never harmed my player.

[ed klein]

A long cotton Q-tip diped in rubbing alcohol works great for cleaning the laser lens

[AlienX69]

Dust could be an issue as well .... "Can of Air" for enclosed.

If it's a flip top and Fast Eddie's method don't work, and air of the traveling mech .... might need recalibration.

Edit:
What brand player is it, could be the culprit ?

http://reviews.cnet.com/Audiovox_DV1680/4864-6498_7-8505006.html?ctype=msgid&messageSiteID=7&messageID=904189&cval=904189

[jamoskeag3]

Alien,
Sorry, dont know brand.
Will try to find out, but friend is in Africa, so email communication is sporadic, to say the least.
As your link points out, heat could certainly be a contributing factor.

[techreactor]

they basically clean the reading lens in the DVD player and africa definitely sounds dusty. It should definitely help. I do it myself by opening the top cover and cleaning it with a little bit of clear alcohol and cotton bud.

Not that I want you to follow my method but if you do, remember to remove the power plug first.

[doctorhardware]

The dust also can cause the head positioning to be off also. I have had to use Chemtronics Electro-Wash to clean the player. The unfortunate thing is that the Electro-Wash is no longer made due to EPA regulations. I have a stock pile.

[jamoskeag3]

doc,
good looking dog.
What breed?