I’ve had to do this.
First time I cleaned one, I was amazed. I really had started to fear that the retaining pin notches were worn & went bad. Virtually no click to lock-in left. But nope, the port was perfect after a full debris removal. Solid, firm click that is indistinguishable from a brand-new port.
I used the plastic from a large peanut butter jar. Cut into a thin pick with a hook at the end. The plastic was just the right thickness. Just fit. Fairly thick and stiff due to being from a large container.