Cleaning spot on lens?

[poodlesrule]

Having fun with the family Canon SX260, but somehow, now, a gray smudge appears on shots, slighty off-center.

I am hoping it is dirt on outside of lens, not internal lint, and not a scratch - there have been instances on that series where the lens protective "blades" scratch the lens, when zoom motion is stopped.

If dirt, best way to clean gently to clear the spot?

 

[Spudman]

I'd go over to the Canon forum and see if they can help. I just use a fire hose. Not really, but all of my small Canons have a removable lens (AS590)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php