A method for controlling a washing machine includes comparing a command value of a motor with a predetermined limit value, during spin-drying, to determine whether the motor is overloaded, and controlling driving of the motor in response to the determination. It may be possible to determine a water filling state, an excessive bubble state, or a drainage error state, which may be caused during a spin-drying operation, and to take a proper measure. That is, in the drainage error state, a user is informed of the drainage error. In the water filling state, the spin-drying is normally completed by re-performing the spin-drying operation. In the excessive bubble state, a rinsing or spin-drying operation is added to remove the bubbles. When the bubbles are not removed by the added rinsing or spin-drying operation, the excessive bubble message is displayed to inform a consumer of the excessive bubble state.