zCat - 10:14 am on Aug 15, 2006 (gmt 0)

I've got a Siemens washing machine too. Bought it second hand in my student days, and even then it was old fashioned - I'm guessing early 80's. Built like a tank and Just Works (though it sounds like a tank on the spin cycle).

However, I've been vaguely meaning to ask for some time: are modern washing machines more efficient in terms of water usage? My water bills are somewhat higher than I think they should be, but I've not found out why.