Downy Fresh Protect with Febreze, In-Wash Scent Beads, April Fresh, 14.8 oz: New Version

Q: We're looking into getting a front-loading washing machine. Where do we load these in those cases? Just into the main drum on top of the laundry?

You add it directly to the drum before you add the clothes.

Q: does anyone know if these should be used with a Septic System?

If you have a properly functioning septic system, Downy products are safe to use.

Q: This isn’t even a softener yet it comes up on a search under softners? Misleading

All the scent beads fall under the softener section as they are basically a solid version of what softeners do plus the additional scent action. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to have to keep track of when to add to my wash I prefer to load the wash and do everything at one time. To use liquids for all those specific spaces requires one to add when needed not pre-load. Your choice