How to clean washing machine?

SuperGreen

Our 10+ year old top-loading washing machine is staining our clothes I haven't used bleach or stain treater in months and months, and our clothes just started coming out with big white or yellowed spots a few weeks ago.  We'd been using Method detergent for several years, so it's not happening from that.  We switched to Organic Shield detergent just in case, and we're still getting the same spots.  They happen sporadically, so I'm thinking the drum of the washer has rusted on the outside (so where we can't see it) or something like that.

The washer still works so we'd prefer not to replace it yet, I'd like to try running something in it to clean it.  I was thinking vinegar, but I'm not sure how much to use.  Any ideas?

Alisha_A

The vinegar wash is what I've done as well, but a while back someone had a dishwasher product on their blog, and that same company had a washing machine cleaner... shoot, I've googled, no luck.

ksdk

I've been reading about Charlie's Soap and figured it might do the trick. I know that the machine I am using is older (1990s) and has residue that I can't get off with what I've tried... vinegar hot cycle and spraying vinegar directly on the residue, trying to let it sit, adding Dr. B's, etc. It seems that prepping your machine with a Charlie's blank load will clean your machine, then it will clean all the build up out of your clothes. Forgive me if you already know this, but if not check out their site. http://www.charliesoap.com/

SuperGreen

Thanks for the replies everyone!  I'll try the vinegar first since I already have some, then the Charlie's.  I'm afraid to wash my clothes right now!  Every time I take a favorite item out of the dryer, I'm like "no whammy, no whammy..."