Freeing a sticking A/C contactor?

I have a new contactor on order for my A/C, but it won't be here til Monday. Right now I'm having to smack the contactor to get it to kick in about once a day. This is a 40 amp 2 pole 24 volt setup and it is getting hung up in the "open" position. I've had a HUGE problem with earwigs this year, so I have no doubt that the little buggers have gummed up the works. Are there any recommendations on cleaning the switch or lubricating it until the new contactor arrives? I was just going to remove it from the A/C unit and clean all the contact, but it would seem like a little dialectric grease might help smooth the plunger motion.

My neighbor is an A/C tech, he showed me how to replace the contactor a few years ago and recommended having a spare on hand. Now I understand why.

Hit it with some electrical contact cleaner.

I've also had good luck with Corrosion X. Most places don't stock it though. I get it at a local marine store.

yeah, i have a couple units that attract ants. they fry themselves under the contact.
take it apart clean it like an old dist cap.