Why does my sous vide water look cloudy or have particles in it?

Cloudy water is usually caused by food juices, starch, dissolved minerals or residue from previous use. In most cases it is a cleaning or water-quality issue rather than a fault, but you should stop using the appliance if the water has entered the electrical parts or if there is any sign of leakage or damage.

1. Stop the cook and inspect the water. The expected result is that the cloudiness is limited to the bath water, not the appliance itself. If you see residue on the outside of the stick or around the controls, disconnect power and do not continue.
2. Check whether the food packaging is leaking or the bag is not sealed properly. The expected result is a sealed bag with no food escaping into the bath. If the bag leaks, replace it before the next cook.
3. After unplugging and cooling, empty the container and wash it with warm water and mild washing-up liquid. The expected result is a clean bath without greasy film or particles.
4. Rinse the appliance only as allowed by its waterproof design, keeping the mains connection and any non-wet areas dry and free from standing water. The expected result is no moisture trapped around the electrical parts.
5. If particles return quickly after cleaning, or if the water looks metallic, oily or burnt, stop using the product and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.

Do not use the appliance again until the container and the stick are clean and dry. Persistent residue can hide a setup problem or a safety issue.