The washing machine according to an embodiment uses an induction motor to rotate a pulsator and a spin-drying tub. This washing machine comprises a clutch that switches between a first state in which the driving force from the induction motor is transmitted only to the rotation axle of the pulsator, and a second state in which the driving force from the induction motor is transmitted to the rotation axle of the pulsator and the rotation axle of the spin-drying tub. The washing machine further comprises a voltage detection unit for detecting a power supply voltage applied to the induction motor. Upon the switching operation of the clutch, the washing machine applies a predetermined current induction pattern to the induction motor in order to perform an auxiliary operation to assist the switching action of the clutch. The current induction pattern is changed according to the amplitude of the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection unit.