I think I may actually take it apart, it is time consuming, but I'll give it go.

Yea, I think most things would work, it's just that I think WD-40 may actually damage the cube or atleast make it smell bad, keep in mind you put your hands all over the cube.

I was hoping there'd be some cube guru here, but if not I guess there's no harm in cleaning it all out and giving petroleum jelly a go...