How To Remove Oxidation From Solder Tip
Use a damp sponge to wipe away the black oxidation from the tip of the soldering iron until the tip is silver and shines in the light.
How to remove oxidation from solder tip. Therefore it is advisable to use the dry cleaner options to avoid shock do a faster job and increase the life of the iron tip. I have tried using a wet sponge to clean it off as suggested by the internet but that doesnt do anything the sponge is apparently supposed to be used to clean solder rests from the tip and not oxidation anyway. How to Tin or Re-Tin Soldering Iron Tip.
This should lead to a clean shiny tip ready for use for more info see this video. Since oxidation occurs through a chemical process you can use another chemical process to remove it. How I overcame this problem - was to place a variac in series with the electric soldering iron.
A nice alternative to using a heat gun. This can be used to clean mild oxidation by covering the tip. Wipe OFF the solder on the Cleaning Sponge or Copper Wool.
The cleaning tool will begin to remove the oxidation. Here are some options. The safest way to avoid oxidation is the create a dry clean environment when storing boards not immediately used and to make sure boards are used within a six month window.
Adding solder to a hot tip helps to prevent oxidation. Once your iron is heated up for a job wipe it on a wet sponge to remove old solder and apply solder to the tip. 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 will slowly start to remove the oxidation present on the soldering iron. Repeat the Process 3-4 Times until the Soldering Tips start Shining. The best way is to prevent the soldering iron tip from oxidizing.