Alternatively, get yourself a bulk pack of compressed air cans and solve this and many other problems in life without needing to jam shit into the port. If you use it often enough, invest in a powered air duster.

Oh no, I'm talking outright wrecked — you can see damaged pins upon observation.

(To be clear to the downvoters, I see this in my job where I repair consumer tech. I've clarified in my original post since some people seem to think I'm arguing exclusively in favour of lightning, or maybe think I've seen this on my own devices?)

I clean out densely compacted pocket lint frequently out of customer devices. One needle nose tweezer end for extracting the bulk, then isopropyl on a thin lint free cloth pushed in with a small piece of plastic to determine what's left inside that isn't easily visible. Typically makes the port look as good as new.