Following a holiday in NZ as mentioned above, we started using cold water at home here in UK. What we have found is that you need to do a hot wash every now and again, otherwise you get a slightly stale smell (like clothes have been left in the machine for a day or so after washing) - but otherwise it is fine, except for white shirts.
I guess the Kiwis never wear white shirts - and I won't from retirement in ten days time. Regards Charley
