Cleaning the cd/dvd drives dust guard

The fabric/foam/plastic (whatever they are) flaps that protect the slot of the cd/dvd drive on my macbook pro 2012 have become stiff and will not let discs through with ease. I had a liquid (tea) spill the other day, so I have reason to believe that this is a result of that incident. If I clean it with warm water and a q-tip its fine for a time, but eventually reverts to being stiff again. Any tips for cleaning it? would rubbing alcohol work? any help would be appreciated. thanks!