Patent attributes
A washing machine and method of controlling a drying process thereof is provided. The washing machine includes a water temperature detecting unit and a controller. The water temperature detecting unit is disposed in a condensing duct to detect temperatures of condensed water. The controller determines whether an end of a drying process is reached based upon the water temperatures detected by the water temperature detecting unit, and terminates the drying process depending on a result of the determination. Accordingly, the drying process may be terminated without delay, irrespective of various factors, such as a weight of the laundry, moisture contained in the laundry, and the temperature of cold water supplied to an inside of the condensing duct, so that a drying performance is improved, excessive drying and damage to the laundry are prevented and energy is saved.