I don't use fabric softener...so, I don't know anything about that. BUT, I do know if I don't let the washer fill up first, with the dry soap, I can get little specks on my clothes. I do this- dry soap first, fill to nearly the time it starts to agitate, THEN put in the clothes.

Just a shameless plug- but, I am now nearly 90 days into a dryer free life style! (well, while the warm weather is here, anyhow...he he he).