The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of displaying recommended washing machine operation information to control a washing machine, a method of operating the mobile terminal, a washing machine capable of operating the recommended washing machine operation information, and a method of operating the washing machine.The method of operating the mobile terminal to control a washing machine includes displaying a menu screen including a washing machine management menu, and displaying recommended washing machine operation information which is set according to external environment information when a recommended operation item is selected from the washing machine management menu. Thus since the recommended washing machine operation information is displayed using the mobile terminal according to external conditions such as weather, time, and season irrespective of time and place, convenience is provided.