How To Clean Oxidized Iron
The heat will activate the flux and start the chemical reaction that will remove the oxidation.
How to clean oxidized iron. Apply to the oxidized tip a thin layer or flux-cored solder. How to prevent iron staining. And to do that we have a couple of options.
Adjust the temperature of the soldering iron to a typical work range about 300C. 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. Clean and then tin your tip each time you pick the iron up or before you put it down.
When cleaning a stainless steel iron there are some substances that you will want to avoid. Wipe the statue with a dry lint-free cloth to remove remaining water droplets. If the tip is dirty and excessively oxidized you can also use a sal ammoniac tinning block to bring it to life.
On intricate pieces dip a small nylon scrubbing brush a toothbrush will work in soapy water and use it to scrub crevices and tight curves. Harms takes a wet towel and cleans the head of an iron. To thoroughly clean your stainless steel patio furniture use a gentle mixture of ph neutral soap and warm water.
Here is the way I clean tips. If you use flux solder it is important to remember that flux solder only cleans oxidation from the tip. Dip the tip into the tinner making sure that the entire oxidized surface is in contact with the re-tinning product.
Harms flips the iron over and also cleans the grip. In the case of acid water the treatment could be supplemented by a correction of the pH. Set the temperature of the soldering iron between 250C and 300C.