Clean the tip of your soldering iron. If you're using a sponge, wet the sponge and quickly wipe the tip across it. If you're using brass wire, stab the tip into the wire a few times.

Melt a small glob of solder onto the tip. This will help with heat transfer.

If you're desoldering with a solder wick, proceed to the next step.

If you're desoldering with a desoldering pump, skip to this step.