I normally use a blower to get bits of dust off my sensor.. Even a regular blower works well... But.. Eventually, you get stuff that just won't blow off. This is usually the tiny stuff. Then you have to 'wet clean'.
I use Photosol and sensor swabs... I've had my 10D a year and have only had to use the Photosol twice. As far as the price of the swabs.. I figure four bucks every six months won't break me 

