In reply to:

and dip it in rubbing alcohol

I'd suggest not using rubbing alcohol unless it's over 70% and closer to 90%. 70% is the most antiseptic mixture, but that distilled water's not the best for lens cleaning.

Everclear if it's legal where you are is actually one of the best things to use... almost pure ethyl alcohol. *G*

Failing that, the stuff in the CD len cleaner is usually 90%+.

Bren R.