Abstract: A washing machine having a steam generating device for directly heating wash water to generate optimum steam, and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method includes sensing a temperature of the steam generating device; controlling water supply means according to the temperature of the steam generating device such that wash water is supplied to the steam generating device; and controlling a quantity of wash water supplied from the water supply means. Further, the steam is supplied so as to rapidly soak laundry, thereby shortening overall washing time, and reducing energy consumption. Also, the steam is sprayed onto the laundry to provide sterilizing effects. Soaking effects of the laundry are improved, as well, so as to increase washing efficiency and eliminate wrinkling.

Abstract: A washing machine having a drying function, which includes a steam generating device for spraying steam directly onto laundry, and a method for controlling the same. The method for controlling the washing machine, which supplies hot air, heated by a drying heater, to laundry through a drying duct, includes heating supplied wash water to generate steam; spraying the generated steam onto the laundry through the drying duct to perform a washing operation; determining whether or not a drying operation after the washing operation is performed; and performing a dehumidifying operation such that a drying fan is operated to remove moisture remaining in the drying duct when it is determined that the drying operation is not performed, thereby improving washing capacity, reducing an energy consumption rate, and effectively removing the moisture remaining in the drying duct when the drying operation after the washing operation is not performed.

Abstract: A steam generating device, in which steam is generated just after the supply of water is performed so that the steam is supplied to a tub in a short time and the consumption of energy is decreased, and a washing machine having the same. The steam generating device includes a main body provided with a steam supply channel formed therein; a heater buried in the main body for heating the main body to heat water flowing along the steam supply channel; and a water supply control valve installed at an inlet of the steam supply channel.