How do you clean out the dust and "ick" in a gas fireplace?

Ask:
With spring upon us, I am in a cleaning mode. THere is dust and "ick" in my gas fireplace, but I have never cleaned it before. Can I mess something up by going in there with a rag?? Is there something special I should use to clean it?
Answer:

I always just used a damp rag and wiped around in mine. It always seemed to come out just fine. On the glass maybe use a microfiber rag so it doesn't streak inside. I was always too nervous to use anything other than water ~ with my luck the fumes would've made the house blow up.
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