Your very fortunate on your water. Probably over 30 years ago I had trouble with my washing machine and a man from Sears came and fixed the problem then saw my fabric softener container and how caked it was with the blue substance. He told me I was damaging my washer and wasting money on the blue softener. I was told to only use clear vinegar. I have been using vinegar for many years and even have my friend in England using it as softener.
For you older friends here if you remember your moms put vinegar water on your hair after she washed your hair years ago if she didn’t have rain water.
My Granny always used vinegar to rinse my hair. We have extra hard water here, but I never use water softener or downy either. Do use vinegar in a load now and then.