A clutch apparatus of a washing machine is provided. The clutch apparatus includes a coupling unit comprising a magnetic unit at least in one part, combined around the basket shaft, and combined with a rotor of the driving motor in a state where the coupling unit moves downward, the coupling unit for transmitting the rotary power of the driving motor to the basket shaft and a solenoid actuator comprising a solenoid coil and fixed to the lower portion of the tub, the solenoid actuator for supplying electromagnetic repulsive force between the solenoid actuator and the coupling unit so that the coupling unit is separated from the rotor of the driving motor, to thus push the coupling unit upward. The clutch apparatus is formed to have a repulsive type structure unlike a conventional attractive type clutch apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to collision noise generated when the coupling unit rises and to reduce the amount of consumption of power for maintaining a state where the coupling member rises.