Abstract: A washing machine which maximally reduces noise generated from a washing process so as to satisfy a low-noise requirement of a user, and a method for controlling the same. The method includes determining whether a calm washing course is selected, and performing low-noise calm washing by controlling a dehydrating operation performed after washing and rinsing operations so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated speed, when it is determined that the calm washing course is selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a motor in a washing machine, which includes a speed sensor for measuring speed of the motor, and a controller that compares the measured speed with a target speed to estimate a motor power applied to the motor, adjusts a running rate of the motor according to the comparison, and controls the motor according to the adjusted running rate. The motor power is estimated based on the motor speed, and the running rate is adjusted down if the estimated motor power is too high, thereby preventing overheating of the motor and an inverter, which may be caused in wash or rinse cycles. The apparatus can be implemented without using a temperature sensor, thereby reducing economic burden. Further, the motor does not stop due to an increase in the temperature of the motor, thereby preventing an unnecessary increase in the time required to complete washing.