An orifice is a precisely machined opening that meters the correct amount of gas for proper flame characteristics of the associated burner.

Never poke anything into an orifice when attempting to clean it. Distortion of the orifice will result in improper flame properties and the orifice must be discarded.

Clean the orifice with alcohol and allow to air dry. Hold it up to a strong light while looking through the opening to verify that the blockage has been removed.