What does the sponge do in soldering?

This is why you might consider using steel wool to clean your soldering iron.

Tip 2 a Steel wool You can rub the tip with steel wool or a Brillopad. You can dampen the iron a little but keep any water drippings away from electrics. To remove any stains, rust and coloring, rub the pad lightly over the tip of the soldering Iron . It should be polished to a shiny fin.

What should you do if soldering fails to flow as desired? If solder does not flow as you desire,

1. Let the joint cool.
2. Your iron should be cleaned and tinted.
3. Remove any burned flux.
4. Let the iron heat up again.
5. Reheat the meat and then try again.

You might also ask: Do you need flux for solder?

Soldering Circuit Boards, or any other electrical / electronic device, is required in order to use flux. Most solder used for electronics has an internal core made of flux. You don't have to add more.

How can you clean an oxidized tip of a soldering iron?

Method to remove mild Oxidation

1. The temperature of the soldering Iron should be between 250AdegC to 300AdegC.
2. Place the flux-cored solder wire that was used during assembly onto the oxidized surface.
3. Use dry cleaning systems such as brass wool or automatic tip cleaners to clean the tip.