Method for controlling washing machine

Abstract

A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a discharging condition is satisfied, and if the discharging condition is satisfied, discharging water in a steam generator out of the steam generator. Accordingly, deposit of foreign substances in the steam generator can be effectively prevented. Further, since the deposit of the foreign substances in the steam generator is automatically prevented, the convenience in usage of the washing machine is increased.

1 . A method for controlling a washing machine, comprising: 
 a) determining whether a discharging condition is satisfied; and    b) if the discharging condition is satisfied, discharging water in a steam generator out of the steam generator.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the discharging step b) includes: supplying the water so that the water in the steam generator overflows and is discharged through a steam discharge port.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the discharging condition includes a command inputted by a user to perform the discharging step b).  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the discharging condition includes a command inputted by a user to drive the washing machine.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the command inputted by the user to drive the washing machine includes selection of a steam course.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the determining step a) includes: additionally determining whether additional discharging conditions are satisfied.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the additional discharging conditions are determined based on a preset heating temperature and a detected water temperature in a tub according to the selected steam course.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the water temperature in the tub is detected right after completion of water supply.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the additionally determining step is performed based on a difference between the heating temperature and the water temperature in the tub, and a rising temperature in the tub while discharging the water out of the steam generator at one cycle.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the discharging step b) includes: discharging the water out of the steam generator once.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein during operation of the steam course, a door is controlled to be locked for a predetermined time, and the door is unlocked after elapse of the predetermined time.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the discharging step b) includes: discharging the water out of the steam generator through a drain port.