Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine that may effectively remove residual water remaining at the bottom of a tub after completion of washing, and a control method thereof. A drainage motor is driven to remove residual water remaining at the bottom of a tub when a predetermined time elapses after all washing operations are completed. Thereby, the residual water may be prevented from freezing and thus blocking the drain. Further, the residual water may be removed through a control algorithm, without adding a separate device. Thereby, manufacturing costs may be reduced.

Abstract: A washing machine capable of protecting a water seal to prevent foreign substance from being stuck or accumulated inside the water seal, so that the water seal is prevented from being worn out. The washing machine includes a tub configured to accommodate wash water, a rotary tub rotatably installed inside the tub, a pulsator rotatably disposed inside the rotary tub, a driving shaft connected to the rotary tub and the pulsator, a support member installed on the driving shaft, a water seal installed between the driving shaft and the tub, and a protection member provided between the support member and the water seal to prevent foreign substance from being introduced into the water seal.