A method of controlling a motor-driven washing machine. The method includes increasing a speed of a motor from zero to a first predetermined speed W1. Reducing the motor speed from W1 to a second predetermined speed W2 and measuring the deceleration period. Increasing the motor speed from W2 to a third predetermined speed W3 and braking the motor according to a slow brake logic if a first interruption of the motor is ordered during the step of increasing the motor speed from W2 to W3. Increasing the motor speed from W3 to a fourth predetermined speed W4 and selecting one of plurality of rapid-brake logics on the basis of the measured deceleration period and braking the motor according to the selected rapid-brake logic if a second interruption of the motor is ordered during the step of increasing the motor speed from W3 to W4.