Using Heat Gun on Hot End

So I had filament leak out of my hot end and built up all over the nozzle and hot end. I know most people heat the hot end when it is attached to the printer but in my case it would be easier to take the hot end off to disable and clean it. I am curious if you can use a heat gun to melt the filament on the hot end without damaging the wires for the thermistor or heat block? Thanks!