A method for controlling a laundry machine is provided, including an air supply cycle in which heated or unheated air is supplied to items received in a holding space. The air supply cycle may include initiating operation of a fan for circulating the air in the holding space, the fan being provided in a duct that forms a flow passage for circulating the air in the holding space, and spraying cleaning water onto a filter for removing foreign matter from the filter, the filter being positioned under the fan for removing foreign matter from air being introduced into the duct from the holding space. Spraying cleaning water onto the filter for removing foreign matter from the filter is not performed at the same time as initiating operation of the fan.