After I got my new dryer, I found I no longer need to put in the dryer sheets to keep the static down. I use to have horrible static problems, so bad that if I forgot to put a dryer sheet in, I'd add a damp towel and a dryer sheet and run it again. I don't put anything special in the wash, just the same liquid soap I've used for ages.
I've had the machines for a couple of years now, so have been through all the seasons with it.