I'd say people use WAY more detergent than is necesssary.
Then to make matters worse they add waxy softeners to replace the naturla oils in natural fabrics that the excessive detergetn has removed.
Solution: Use less detergent, and you won't need the softener.
This is exacltly the same scenario as shampoo (deterent) and condtioner (greasy waxy softener). If you wash your hair every day even with a bottle of $1 stuff, it still cleans plenty good.
Americans, I'd say, buy-into the marketing fluff WAY to easily and don't see that so many products are just a way to get you an your money to part......