How To Clean A Black Soldering Iron Tip

Dip the tip into the tinner making sure that the entire oxidized surface is in contact with the re-tinning product.

How to clean a black soldering iron tip. Use a tip cleaner these usually are made from ammonium chloride and should stick to the tip when used. Clean the tip with a brass cleaning sponge. Tinning is more effective when done on a clean tip.

Once this happens I find that the best cure is to use a tin of tip cleaner mine is Archer brand from radio Shack ancient but effective. I had first used acid based flux to remove I suspect if this made it worse. It took a lot of effort with tip tinnercleaning compound to make the solder wet the tip again.

Each time you clean the soldering iron and put it away apply a fresh solder to the tip. This is done by first ensuring the tip is clean and free of surface oxides. Use a good electronic soldering flux instead.

Change flux this is a good step as some of the plumbing fluxes are too strong for the tip. A soldering tip should be regularly cleaned and tinned and take an abrasive to it as needed to keep it smooth and free from pitting. After cleaning in tip cleaner wipe on a damp NOT wet sponge then thoroughly cover in solder to the point where it is dripping off the tip.

Take either a wet sponge or wire wool. Soldering iron only works if there is a temperature difference. The black stuff is oxidized solder and or iron from the tip plating.

Wire wool has the advantage of not cooling down the soldering iron too much and you dont have to wait for the iron to get its desired temperature. Once clean and shiny perform tinning and now your tool is ready to use. Use a protective layer of solder The easiest way to prevent oxidation of a solder tip is to protect it with a layer of solder.