Follow this guide to make a custom cotton swab.

You can also use dental picks with barbed tips (non-flavored).

You can use a normal cotton swab, but most are too thick and have loose cotton that can snag on sharp edges.

Apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to the cotton.

Insert your tool in the USB-A port.

Don't force the tool into the port, as you risk damaging the contacts and getting the tool stuck.

Slide the tool back and forth along the port to clean it.

Wait a few minutes for the isopropyl alcohol to evaporate before plugging in your device and testing it.