How To Remove Oxidation From Solder Tip

Here are some options.

How to remove oxidation from solder tip. The best way is to prevent the soldering iron tip from oxidizing. While sandpaper works when used properly if you find yourself spooked by the warnings of damage you can also use chemical cleaners to remove oxidation from your soldering iron tip. We recommend the use of the Hakko 599B Tip cleaner as it can remove oxidation from the soldering tip without removing the solder or exposing the tip to harsh chemicals or thermal shock.

This should lead to a clean shiny tip ready for use for more info see this video. 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. If the tip temperature is too high oxidation occurs.

Wipe the iron on a damp sponge to remove the excess. Since oxidation occurs through a chemical process you can use another chemical process to remove it. It will barely melt at the absolute tip.

The cleaning tool will begin to remove the oxidation. If it happens that the soldering iron tip is oxidized you can clean it with a tip activator and or sanding block. 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.

The brass coils of the Hakko 599B allow oxidation to be removed without harming the soldering tip while leaving a light coating of solder behind to help prevent further oxidation of the iron plating. 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. 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.

Repeat the steps above until the tip is clean. 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. This can be used to clean mild oxidation by covering the tip.