Control method and washing machine

A control method for controlling a washing machine by utilizing a computer, wherein the washing machine and the computer are operatively connected via a communication network, the method comprising:

• obtaining a position, by utilizing a sensor, of a user of a washing machine and an installation position of the washing machine;
• obtaining arrival time required for the user to arrive at the installation position based on the position of the user and the installation position;
• obtaining operation information of the washing machine;
• determining whether the washing machine is performing washing based on the operation information;
• obtaining washing completion time required for the washing machine to complete washing when it is determined that the washing machine is performing washing;
• generating instruction information for adding a first washing process of soaking laundry in water by the washing machine or for changing time in the first washing process in a case where the arrival time is longer than the washing completion time;
• and
• transmitting the generated instruction information to the washing machine, wherein
• the first washing process includes a detergent soaking process of soaking laundry in water in which detergent is dissolved, and
• in a case where the arrival time satisfies a predetermined delay condition, instruction information for making transition to the detergent soaking process is generated.