Clean tip of soldering iron with steel wool?

[Axtman]

Is it okay to clean the tip of my soldering iron with steel wool? I mean to gently wipe it off, NOT to dig in and really scrub it.

[mozz]

Don't take any plating off, then you'll have to do it all the time. Wet sponge is all you need.

[Mark Hammer]

I use the copper scrub pads you can buy at dollar store (Poundland if in the UK). Tips have lasted a LONG time.

[Axtman]

My tip cleaner, like the one in the link, is getting clogged with solder and wearing out. I was just wondering if I can restuff it with coarse steel wool or does it have to be copper?

https://www.tubesandmore.com/product...oldering-irons

[Helmholtz]

The metal wool in the cleaner might be some brass alloy.

Coarse steel wool should work for oxidized tips, see here: https://www.weller-tools.com/profess.../Cleaning+Tips

With new tips only use the wet sponge.

[nosaj]

Dollartree carries them 3 in a bag for a $1.25 i have a hakko holder and i stuff 2 copper scrubbers in it.
nosaj

[Axtman]

I will check out Dollar Tree tomorrow. Thanks for the tip (pun intended). ;-)