the plastic jug on my fresh and furious has cloudy scratches all inside, can i still use it?

Diagnosis

The cloudiness and fine scratches you see inside your BBL620SIL jug are caused by the degradation of the Tritan™ copolyester plastic. This typically happens through "micro-abrasion," where the surface of the plastic is physically etched by abrasive cleaning tools—such as steel wool, green scouring pads, or stiff nylon brushes. Over time, these microscopic grooves scatter light rather than letting it pass through, creating a foggy or "cloudy" appearance. Chemical degradation is another common culprit. Using high-alkaline dishwasher detergents or bleach-based cleaners strips the plastic of its polished finish, leading to a chemical etch. If the scratches are superficial and the plastic is not cracking, flaking, or smelling like chemicals, the jug remains structurally sound and food-safe. You can confirm this by running your fingernail across the scratches; if they feel like shallow grooves but the plastic isn't peeling or "chalking" off in white flakes, it is purely a cosmetic issue.

How to Fix It

While you cannot "buff out" scratches in Tritan plastic the way you would with glass (as polishing would thin the walls and compromise the jug's integrity), you can stop the progression and manage the appearance using these specific steps:

1. Stop All Machine Washing: Immediately cease putting the jug in the dishwasher. The combination of high heat (which can reach 150°F+ in dry cycles) and caustic detergents accelerates the clouding process.
2. Switch to Non-Abrasive Tools: Discard any scouring pads. Use only a soft microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle bottle brush made of silicone or soft nylon.
3. Implement the "Self-Clean" Method: Instead of scrubbing, use the blender's own power. Fill the jug halfway with warm water and add two drops of mild, pH-neutral dish soap. Secure the lid and run the blender on a medium-high setting for 30 to 60 seconds. This uses the centrifugal force of the blades to strip residue without scratching the walls.
4. Rinse and Air Dry: Rinse with lukewarm water and allow the jug to air dry upside down on a drying rack. Avoid using a rough towel to dry the interior, as this can create further micro-scratches.

If That Didn't Work

• Replace the Jug Assembly: If the cloudiness has progressed to deep gouges or the plastic has become brittle and started to crack, you must replace the jug. Look for the genuine Breville BBL620 replacement pitcher. Ensure you are buying the original Tritan version and not a generic acrylic replacement, as acrylic is far more prone to cracking under the high torque of the Fresh and Furious motor.
• Deep Clean with White Vinegar: If the cloudiness is actually mineral buildup (hard water scale) rather than scratches, fill the jug with a mixture of 50% distilled white vinegar and 50% warm water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then blend on low for 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly. This will dissolve calcium deposits that often mimic the look of cloudy plastic.
• Check for Thermal Shock: If you notice "spider-web" fractures (crazing) inside the cloudiness, this is caused by thermal shock—putting boiling liquids into a cold jug or vice versa. In this case, the jug is compromised and should be replaced immediately to avoid a catastrophic failure during a high-speed blend.

Heads Up

• Avoid Abrasive Powders: Never use powdered cleansers (like Comet or Ajax) inside the jug; these act like liquid sandpaper and will ruin the finish in a single wash.
• Temperature Limits: Avoid blending liquids that exceed 100°C (212°F) for extended periods, as extreme heat can soften the plastic and make it more susceptible to scratching.
• Blade Inspection: While cleaning, check the blade assembly at the bottom. If you see black rubber fragments or the blades are dull, it's time to replace the entire jug assembly, as the blades and jug are integrated.
• Storage Tip: Store the jug without the lid tightly sealed to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mildew in the gasket seal of the lid.