How To Clean A Dirty Soldering Tip
Then dip into the tin of tinner cleaner with a slight twisting action.
How to clean a dirty soldering tip. Use fine wire wool one of those glass fibre pencil thingies I like to replace the glass fibre with a brass or steel refill or even a swiss file for rail etc to lightly abraid the surface. Wipe a wet sponge across the solder irons tip after each stroke to avoid buildup on the tip. Electronix Express points out that in order to remove the dirt and debris that accumulates on the tip of a soldering iron it is necessary to wipe it clean with a sponge.
Just try to wipe it off after every 4-5 solder joints. Cleaning and maintaining soldering tips ensure its longer life. This is essential for the transistors and ICs.
In this case you have to damp down the steel wool and rub the metal tip of the soldering iron and as a result it will remove the rust and stains. If you choose to use a brush do it only on the solder. Flood the tip with solder after cleaning to cover the entire working surface of the tip.
Be careful not to over-tighten the locking nut. Clean the solder side of PCB using Spirit or PCB cleaning solution. If the tip is hot enough normally at least 300C and relatively free of rust the solder will flow up the tip and coat it.
This step will coat the iron in a mixture of flux and solder. Wipe off the irons tip between strokes. Your cleaning method will vary based on the status of your soldering iron whether it is currently hot or coldIf your iron is dirty but still hot set it as.
It doesnt matter too much if its ugly as long as you can get a nice shiny bit right at the tip. Try to avoid water in the mixture. It will not harm the fabric.