I’m glad to see I’m not the only person who objects to fabric softener because of the smell. I can’t understand how people put up with it – the least revolting way I can think of to describe it is “it smells like someone took a bunch of old clothes, sprayed them with a ton of perfume, and left them in a drawer for 10 years where they got progressively staler and bug-eaten.”
I don’t even understand what the purpose is. I don’t use it and I don’t see any difference.
I just started doing exactly this (but with a top loader). For now I set my cell phone alarm and run down to add the vinegar, but my Downy ball is in the mail right now so I won’t have to by this weekend.
I tried only using vinegar; everything was way too static-y. Half an unscented Bounce sheet to the rescue!
Anyone have tips for getting out the gym funk from synthetic gym clothes? My favorite shirt is having armpit stank like no other, even if I hang it to dry before washing it and scrub the armpits a bit. I’m also using Tide Coldwater, which is the #1 Consumer Reports recommended detergent, so I know that’s not the issue.
We’ve always left the door open. Maybe it depends on the model.
I wish I knew; I have some nice dressy shirts made of synthetic fabrics that have the same problem - they always seems to smell sweaty, and I’m not a sweaty person.
Have you tried using the Dryel stain remover on your synthetic armpits? I’ve used that with success, but gym clothes are supposed to be line dried, so that’s out of the question.
ETA: tee hee, synthetic armpits.
Don’t use anything. I used to use dryer sheets in winter but have given those up and not noticed a difference.
I convinced my husband to quit using fabric softener and he was surprised to find that his clothes, sheets, and towels were just fine without it.
If you wash them then plop into a dryer, you’re probably right. If you line dry, or even worse drip dry inside, then the stiffness is obvious. Then liquid softener can be useful.
I’ll have you know I do not “plop”. I “place”, or “put”, or “gently convey”. 
Count me as another vinegar user. Downy destroyed a shirt I loved dearly, making it threadbare in places where it wasn’t even facing friction. Yuck. I also hate the smell.