I use dryer sheets with no qualms. Maybe I shouldn't ... sometimes this board makes me double-think what I've always done.

I dont. But what I do do is as I fold up a quilt, I put a fabric sheet between folds. I was told to do this by a old time quilter. It helps keep the quilt fresh smelling and it also helps prevent the smells in your house not to get on the quilts.

Thanks to all for your comments and advice.

I actually had a quilt that I used fabric softener on every wash, it looked great, then I washed it before storing it and stored it as my LQS suggested, rolled, not folded (no creases that way) and used fabric softener and then I pulled it out about 9 months later and every part that was overlayed with another had spoltches (sp?) on them and the only thing it could have been was the fabric softener on it. I still use it because I think it's still beautiful and warm and homey, but it will never be stored with fabric softener on it again!

I do but thin out before adding to the machine, not much have had clothes come out with spots that only could have been the softener, do dry with sheets, like the soft fluffy, softner smell :)

If you want to soften your quilts but not have a chemical build up, then use vinegar. 1 cup per load. It won't leave a smell either.

I really don't like fabric softener, I agree, it is just another chemical. I would go a step further and say that it adding more pollutants to our environment.

It's more mechanical stress, but you can also use drier balls. I use them instead of fabric softener for all of our clothes. I wouldn't put them in with an heirloom quilt, but a day-to-day quilt, no problem!

i dont use much softner ever

I used to until I read that fabric softner doens't actually soften the fabric. It lubricates the threads instead. I still use fabric softner occasionally to reduce static in the winter.