My water softener makes my clothes smell...?

we've had a water softener from ecowater for half a year and it makes our clothes smell weird if we dont dry them immediately after theyre washed. I know that if you dont dry clothes they get a mildew smell but as soon as i open the washer i smell a metallic gross smell. i just got a new washer so i know it wasnt my old one. I use tide with febreeze, downy and dryer sheets but the smell is still evident. even visitors notice! any ideas on what it is and how i can fix it? im ready to get my water softener taken out of my house!!