Is it possible to reliably remove vaseline/petroleum jelly from USB-C male end?

First off I know this is an absurd problem to have. I keep my wired headphones in my purse with a tiny tub of vaseline that I use as lip balm. The cap came off the vaseline tub, and the end of the headphones (usb-c connector) got into the tub. I cleared off what I could with a folded tissue and a Q-tip, but I expect there is still some in the internal part. I don't know if the headphones are still working as I don't want to risk my phone or laptop getting petroleum jelly in its usb-c port. Is there anything I can do to clean this off and rescue the headphones without risking my phone?