The transparent hood is actually tinted a bit yellow (there was no way around this, it is a special high temperature plastic). Even after a couple roasts it can attract some roast residue that makes seeing through it a bit harder. When it is still warm, wipe it with a soft towel. After roasting you can hand wash it with soap to if you like, but do not use any cleaning pads or abrasives! To see through the hood, the best way is to use a strong LED overhead light. It is amazing to see how a good directional daylight-balanced source can help you see the roast! I don't recommend it long term, but a decent phone LED light placed on the hood for a few seconds will give you a good indication how much directed light helps. Another idea (not for everyone) is to go hoodless. Or my version ... leave the hood unclipped when roasting and remove it using the small handle in the rear. Removing the hood will bring down the roast changer temperature a little but it doesn't have a huge impact on the roast process in a cyclonic air roaster like Popper. After 5-10 batches the hood will be less transparent. You can hand wash in hot water with soap and air dry. Don't use any scrubber or abrasive though.