If you want to keep your solder iron in good shape, you need to clean it regularly.The iron tips are vulnerable to corroding because of the hot metals they come into contact with.If you thoroughly clean and tin the tip, you'll be able to prevent tip damage over time.You can maintain your solder iron's condition by using the right cleaning methods.
Step 1: Before cleaning the iron, let it cool.
Before you clean the tip, turn off your solder iron and let it cool down.It will allow you to clean the device without risk of burns.The solder iron should be cleaned immediately after it.If you find yourself forgetting to clean the iron, place a sticky note near your workspace.
Step 2: The iron must be wiped off with a damp sponge.
Rub the sponge over the solder iron.If you do this first, you can see if the tip is still too warm to touch with bare hands.Regular sponges will not remove the solder as efficiently as sulfur-free sponges.
Step 3: If you want to get rid of rust, use steel wool.
You may have more stubborn stains if you don't clean your solder iron regularly.Take a steel wool pad and rub it over the iron's tip to remove rust and other staining.Steel wool is the only cleaning item that is safe to use.It's too corrosive for solder iron tips to use sandpaper.
Step 4: Don't forget to wear eye protection.
You should coat the tip in a thin layer of solder after cleaning it.It helps protect the tip from rust.Many chemicals in solder are eye irritants.If you accidentally hit an air pocket, keep safety goggles on at all times.After every use, tin the iron.Don't forget to wear eye protection when using a hot solder iron.Although gloves are not required, you should wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 5: It's possible to apply.
Attach a small dot of solder to the tip with a thin coat.This will keep the iron's heat flow in check if applied evenly.
Step 6: The solder should be kept in place with a cleaner.
After turning the solder iron off and letting it cool, apply a small layer of alloy cleaner over the tip with a microfiber cloth.Dust can build up over the solder and diminish the chances of oxidization.
Step 7: Use high-quality solder.
It can cause damage over time if you use cheap solder.Impurities in your solder can cause a build up on the tip.The top number is what percentage of tin is in the solder.
Step 8: After every use, remove the debris.
The solder iron should be turned off after soldering an item.Remove the tip and tap the barrel to get rid of the debris.Over time, this will prevent the build up of gunk on your solder iron.
Step 9: The iron solder's cord can have burns or cracks.
The high heat the device is used under can cause damage to the solder iron's cord.Hire a professional electrician to replace the damaged cord.It is dangerous to work with solder irons with cord damage.
Step 10: The iron's tip should be wiped off between strokes.
Cleaning the solder iron tip will result in better soldering work.After each stroke, wipe a wet sponge across the solder iron's tip.You will have less to clean from the tip if you wipe the iron frequently.