from Hi Fi World:

"If a button on your TV or Stereo remote
control stops working due to over use
it is possible to fix it. There is a product that
you can get from most auto part stores made
by *Loctite* called "Quick Grid Rear Window
Defogger Repair Kit". It is a conductive fluid
usually used to fix rear window defroster elements in
car rear windows. To fix your remote, open up the casing
and paint the fluid on the base of the buttons
that are not working effectively (...after cleaning them
with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip first!), let it dry, and
re-assy the unit. It should now work again
good as new! "

(Note: this fix will also work for the rubber
control buttons on portable radio scanners
and shortwave radios also!) : ) : ) : )