I'm the oddball on this one. I do wash all my fabrics with detergent before using, and then (horrors!) use a softener sheet in the dryer. I'm a cheapskate and usually wash the new fabrics along with other colorfast articles to make a full load. I don't, however, use any fusible materials or basting sprays, so the softener doesn't matter much. I did start starching material before cutting, and so far the starch has worked well even with the softener. The vinegar softener is wonderful, too, because it doesn't leave any residues. I'll have to rethink the softener issue when I start doing some applique. I'm grateful you asked the question.