Tim,why don't you try to find one of those plastic plugs for it?Then you could remove it for cleaning.
On my rear mount,I stuffed a rag in it to keep sand out when blasting.I found it later when I was welding on the floor.Used the hole to squirt water on(or in)the fire,then a clothes hanger to pull the rag out.So,it is somewhat useful!
Mike.
