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just had a new Maytag washer delivered. It is a high efficiency model. It says I need to use HE detergent. The delivery guy said if I don't it will void the warranty................Any thoughts? It is a top loader--Centinneal.
The HE stuff costs the same at Costco or Target as the "non-HE" stuff, just a slightly smaller range of "scents" and other options.
I think the formula basically uses a low sudsing type mix of surfactants and soaps so that the the draining and agitation don't have to deal with the "bubble bath" type foam which requires longer rinse and agitation to make sure soap residue is not left behind.
The manufacturer is not conspiring against you -- it is simply the march of technology...
My sister bought a Maytag HE set many years ago when the only place she could buy laundry soap was at the Maytag store. Since Im lazy I knew I wouldn't upgrade to the HE machines until the soap was easier to find. I bought a front loader set last year and get my laundry soap at Wal-Mart, Target and even the grocery store. Its becoming the norm now. Just look for the little HE symbol on the bottle. I noticed the last time I was in the store Gain and Wisk are now offer HE options. They are a bit cheaper than Tide. I have heard watering down soap is also effective but since I invested so much into the machines, I just buy the right soap from the get go and yes, just a tip, don't try regular soap. I used some spray and wash on some pillow cases and about 10 minutes later found big suds spewing out of my machine. Honestly, I didn't think a spray treatment would make a difference. Oh yes, it did.
The HE stuff is found on the laundry detergent shelves next to the "regular" detergent. Pay attention to the amount the directions tell you to use, it's not very much per load. Some washer manufacturers may tell you to use even less than the detergent manufacturer so read your washer manual too.
Consumer Reports just rated the HE detergents, and while Tide come out #2, not far behind (and a fraction of the price) was Target's HE liquid laundry detergent [it showed the purple top bottle in the article]. I purchased it based on their rec' and I've been pleased so far. It's ~$7.99 a bottle vs. ~11.99+ for Tide.
That said, I've had front loaders for over 10 yrs and I have rarely purchased HE detergent. I was told many years ago by someone who engineers appliances that HE detergent wasn't necessary. You should, however, only use about a 1/3 of the soap/detergent that you would normally use because the machines are so much more effective. This same person also told me to cut dryer sheets in half, and only use half per load - which has also worked out great. In fact, when we got my washer, the instructions said not to use ANY DETERGENT for the first three washes [if you are washing existing clothes] because there would be so much soap residue in them left there by top loading machines/traditional washing.
just had a new Maytag washer delivered. It is a high efficiency model. It says I need to use HE detergent. The delivery guy said if I don't it will void the warranty................Any thoughts? It is a top loader--Centinneal.
Yep, use on HE detergent and maybe use a tad under the Fill Line on the cap. There's a reason re: the suds and rinseability...it's not a conspiracy.
These days there is as much HE detergent as not in the stores I go to. And the price is the same. So why not use it? Is it not available in your area?
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Honestly, I didn't think a spray treatment would make a difference. Oh yes, it did. 
