If you are just looking for a softener try washing soda. (Remember Calgon in the 60's) It removes all the soap from your wash hence it dries soft. If you put it in the wash it will also help remove stains. You will need to dissolve it first if you don't use hot water to wash. I used it to wash all our polyester filled doonas before I packed them away for summer. Soaked them for about 30 minutes in hot water and they came out snowy white and looked like new. I'm never with out it. I do keep it in the fridge because the crystals melt at over 30 degrees. I pay between 3 & 4 dollars for 500 gr. I've used it in the dishwasher as well. Better for the environment and better for my pocket.