Step 1: Begin by making sure the tip is attached to the iron and screwed tightly in place. Step 2: Turn on your soldering iron and let it heat up. If you have a soldering station with an adjustable temp control, set it to 400\u2032 C/ 752\u2032 F. Step 3: Wipe the tip of the soldering iron on a damp wet sponge to clean it.