A method for controlling a washing machine includes: detecting a first sensor value by a first set of electrode sensors and a second sensor value by a second set of electrode sensors having at least one electrode sensor which is placed vertically higher than the first set of electrode sensors, the first and second set of electrode sensors comprising at least three electrode sensors which are located at least one of cartridges and configured to detect an amount of detergent contained in the at least one the cartridges; comparing the first sensor value and the second sensor value with a first predetermined value, respectively; passing a predetermined time; redetecting the first sensor value and the second sensor value and calculating a difference sensor value; and determining that the detergent is filling to a height between the first set of electrode sensors and the second set of electrode sensors.