cleaning it? its there because theres a split. prevention or cure. fix the mofo. can be fidley.
whilst youre at it, check the one way valve that goes into the pcv. i now keep 2-3 spare because every car i come across seems to have either the one way valve dead or the hose split.
as for the hose i done use a vag replacement (uneconomical) i have a reel of peroxide something or other treated silicon hose (ie it can withstand oil mist) so lasts indefinately. love it.
that could be a big leak for you, but as for the pcv, easiest way to test that is just to blow in there
theyre not hard engines to look after tbh youll love it when its fixed