Make sure you keep your flux is also clean, and if it becomes contaminated, toss it out. Flux comes in numerous forms from a paste to a liquid. It’s applied to the surfaces to be heated to assist the solder to flow and to prevent fire scale. It is applied to the metal using a small paint brush such as you might find in a child’s water color set.
Solder Tip 2: Clean
By Tammy Powley, About.com Guide
Clean - All dirt and grease (such as oils from fingers) must be removed before soldering. A pickle solution is the best way to do this. Try not to handle the metal with your hands. Use copper tweezers or flat nosed pliers to move and arrange the metal if possible. If the metal is dirty, often the solder will not flow.
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