2nd Gen nano charges but won't sync

Hi - we've got a otherwise well-behaved 2nd Gen iPod nano (model number A1199) that now won't sync - but will charge up - when plugged into a mac. I noticed that there was a fair bit of crud at one end of the nano's 30-pin socket (wife + handbag + nano = crud in socket) which I've attempted to blow/brush out, but no change.

Q1. Is it likely that the contacts are irrevocably gunged up/damaged by exposure to handbag-crud?

Q2. Any experience or tips out there regarding successful cleaning out of a 30-pin socket?

Thanks.

Martin