A method of operating a washing machine and a washing machine

The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine having a tub (3) for receiving wash liquid for treating laundry (5), a in the tub (3) rotatably mounted drum (2) for holding the laundry (5), a radiator (1) and a Umfluteinrichtung (4) for conveying wash liquid from a lower region of the tub (3) in an upper region, based on the operational set-up position according to the washing machine. The method includes performing a washing program with a heating step and a subsequent washing step. During the heating step, a washing liquid level in the tub (3) is constructed so that the radiator (1) below the washing liquid level and the drum (2) is located above the washing liquid level, based on the operation proper setting position of the washing machine, and steam (by operating the heater 1) is generated. The Umfluteinrichtung (4) is activated during the Nachwaschschritts depending on the selection of temperature. The invention further relates to a corresponding washing machine.