At ASKO, we have always believed that true innovation begins by questioning what others consider standard. One of the most overlooked yet critical components of any washing machine is the door seal — an area that traditionally uses a large rubber bellow to keep water contained. While this is the industry norm, it comes with well-known drawbacks: wear over time, hidden areas where moisture and dirt collect, and a high risk of bacterial growth.

Our answer to that challenge is Steel Seal™, a unique and patented solution designed to redefine hygiene, durability and user experience in laundry care.

A smarter, more ergonomic door design

Removing the traditional rubber bellow doesn’t just improve hygiene — it fundamentally transforms the design of the door itself. Because the drum can meet the door with precision, the door requires only a shallow bowl shape, rather than the deep and bulky design seen in standard machines.

This creates a door that takes up less physical space and feels noticeably more open and accessible. Combined with our easily reachable drum, Steel Seal™ makes loading and unloading effortless, even when handling bulky items such as towels, uniforms or bedding. For busy environments, this improved access saves time and simplifies daily routines.

Exceptional hygiene — proven by independent testing

One of the most significant advantages of Steel Seal™ is its hygienic performance. By removing the rubber bellow, we eliminate the dark, moist crevices where mould, bacteria and detergent residue typically accumulate. The result is a door area that stays clean, dry and safe — cycle after cycle.

Independent testing conducted by Mikrobiologija Avberšek (Slovenia) shows that ASKO washing machines with Steel Seal™ have up to 95% less microbiological growth compared to machines equipped with a traditional rubber bellow.

This exceptional level of hygiene has also earned ASKO washing machines with Steel Seal™ a unique global recognition: they are the world’s only washing machines approved and awarded by Sensitive Choice, an organisation that highlights products suitable for people with asthma and allergies. This further underscores the health-focused benefits built into every Steel Seal™ machine.

Durability built into the design

Stainless steel is one of the most reliable and long-lasting materials in professional laundry care, offering outstanding resistance to wear, chemicals and high temperatures. By constructing the door seal entirely from stainless steel, Steel Seal™ delivers a robust, long-term solution that maintains performance year after year — even under demanding conditions.

With Steel Seal™, ASKO continues to push the boundaries of what professional laundry appliances can achieve — more hygienic, more durable and easier to use. Innovation that truly makes a difference.