Pour vinegar in the fabric softener section of your washer as a substitute. Cheaper, helps clean (weak antibacterial properties - it's no bleach, but it's better than nothing) and, no, that smell doesn't remain once it's dried - it can actually help remove some odors. Might still need to throw in a dryer sheet once it's drying time (really, only to cut down on static - your clothes won't be stiff or course. Sheets aren't necessary in humider months), but it saves a lot of money. Plus, a lot less gross oily residue on your laundry. You don't realize how greasy your washrags are until you've gotten used to washing your face with softener-less ones and then try to go back.

Also, animal fat is used in a lot of fabric softeners, and they don't have to tell you which ones. You may not be veggie/vegan, but that's still creepy, right? Animal fat all over your laundry? Ech.