I use any detergent that's on sale, but never deviate from Downy April Fresh liquid. I don't use it for towels, the don't absorb as well. I use 1/2 to 3/4 to save money, and it doesn't make a difference in the feel of my clothes. I hang most of my stuff, so dryer sheets are not an option. Also, when I was in high school, we had a fire in our dryer. The fireman said it was caused from the film left by the dryer sheets. I am sure, over 25 years later, they've fixed that problem, but I always think about. I use dryer sheets on vacation with detergents in tablet form (so much easier).