A method for controlling a rinsing operation of a washing machine, which a heating course is selected in the rinsing operation to increase sterilization of laundry and removal of residual detergent. The method includes selecting a rinsing mode before a washing operation is started; and performing rinsing operations, comprising heating rinsing water, according to the selected rinsing mode, when the washing operation according to a selected washing course is completed. The rinsing operations are repeated according to kinds and states of laundry, thereby increasing rinsing capacity. Further, since the temperature of the rinsing water is increased using a heating unit in the final rinsing operation or in each of a designated number of times of the rinsing operations in the late stage, including the final rinsing operation, of the repeated rinsing operations, it is possible to increase removal of residual' detergent and sterilization of the laundry, thus allowing the laundry to be sanitized.