How do I safely remove lint from my phone speaker?
The safest method is a soft dry toothbrush. Brush gently across the speaker grille in one direction using short strokes. Work in good lighting so you can see the debris coming free. A wooden toothpick can dislodge compacted lint from individual grille holes if used very carefully at a low angle without inserting it into the grille. Never push debris into the grille rather than lifting it out.
Can I use tape to pull lint out of the speaker?
A small loop of masking tape or painter's tape, sticky side out, pressed gently against the grille can pull surface lint free without leaving residue. Avoid duct tape, packing tape, or other high-tack adhesives because residue left on the grille can attract more debris and is difficult to remove. Press lightly and peel slowly rather than pulling quickly.
How is lint muffling different from water muffling?
Lint muffling tends to worsen gradually over weeks rather than appearing suddenly after a specific event. It also typically does not improve at all with the speaker eject tone, which is designed for liquid displacement rather than physical debris. If your speaker gradually got quieter over time with no water exposure, lint or debris is a more likely cause than moisture.