Does it get worse before it gets better?

I found this sub a few weeks back, added Biz powder (usually 1/2 as per label) to my Seventh Generation detergent, and it's made a world of difference. My clothes are all much cleaner, and most of the fragrance washes out with the citric acid I'm using in the rinse.

My towels, on the other hand, are much older than my clothes, and seem to be getting worse. My old wash configuration for them was 1/2 cup of washing soda and the seventh generation. They're crunchier now than they were before. Is it just getting worse before it gets better, or should I adjust something? I've always washed them with hot water.