did I clean my IR filter correctly?

My new laser was starting to have a lot of scatter, so I figured that the IR filter was dirty. I took the cloth from one of my eyeglass cases, and I used a pencil-like object to lightly guide the cloth into the aperture. After some careful cleaning, there was no more scatter.

By the way, my IR filter, which is green, has some tiny white spots on it, and it seems that these spots are inside the filter. Does this mean that the IR filter is broken? It was already like this when I first got this laser.

Those are probably just imperfections within the lens itself and can't be fixed unless you replace it. But if it doesn't seem to be effecting the laser in any way I would just leave it be. Maybe send a picture so we can get a better understanding?
And to directly answer your question, the way you cleaned your filter is one of the many ways to clean a lens properly.

Yeah, I also think that it will have no effect on the laser. I'm guessing that if they're just minor imperfections, I don't really need to worry about the IR.

Well IR from a laser such as the X-series isn't really too much of an issue anyways. Even if the IR filter was damaged the visible 532nm light would do enough damage at the distance the IR would effect you to make the IR seem minuscule. But all and all, if it's working, don't fix it!

My first method it to try a canned duster product. High pressure clean gas to remove loose dust. Then I use more agressive methods.

Mike

Supposedly those "Canned Air" products can contain some oils and silicon products and can muck up a lens. Your truly best bet is brand new cotton swabs with very low amounts of Ever Clear on them to use for cleaning. Or the highest percentage rubbing alcohol you have. (I use 91%, can't but Ever Clear yet)