Is there an easier way to clean baseboard heating?

The baseboard heat in my home hasn't been cleaned in several years. As a result the dust is cooked on to the inside of the "thing" that surrounds the pipe that the hot water runs through. So, I have cleaned some with a Q-Tip, that I stick in the "thing". This takes WAY too much time. Any ideas?

dampen a new fabric softener "cloth". wring in out until it is a bit more than damp...lay on the area and leave over night. Should now wipe clean.another suggestion put a pie tin of ammonia under the offending area. let set over night if possible and wipe clen in the morning. Just be sure in this case that there are no animals that can drink the ammonia if they feel so inclined. Good Luck ! Aunt No-No