A contaminant removing member for removing contaminants adhering to the surface
of the photoconductive member is contacted to and pressed against the surface of
the photoconductive member by an engaging and disengaging mechanism only when a
contaminant removing operation is performed. Accordingly, the contaminants adhering
to the surface of the photosensitive drum can be removed while damage to the surface
of the photosensitive drum is minimized. Alternatively the contaminant removing
operation can be performed by a contaminant removing member removably mounted to
one of a toner container or a photosensitive member container.