I've had my PS2 since launch and nothing of that sort has happened to me yet =/ I don't even clean off my system at all. The only systems I've had that broke were Sega systems >_>;;

I don't think you should do it, since trying to fix it yourself would void the warranty (if it hasn't expired yet), and if you mess up, you can't call Sony about it 'cause then they won't help you. And trying to get the screwup fixed at an electronics shop would probably cost more than another PS2.

In short, I think you should just do what edczxcvbnm said, and you'll probably be fine.