Title basically.

Obviously, cold nozzle + filament on it from my last print = the printer thinks the nozzle is lower than it actually is.

Preheating the nozzle helps some, but if I want true consistency I need to mechanically whipe the nozzle/grab the bit of plastic that oozes out with a pair of needle nose pliers.

I know nozzle brush mods are a thing, but aren't the hard on your nozzle? Does anyone have any alternative ideas?