An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member which bears developing-agent images; a first removing member which removes a developing agent from the image bearing member, wherein the first removing member is contacted with the image bearing member while a bias is applied to the first removing member; a second removing member which removes the developing agent from the image bearing member, wherein the second removing member is contacted with a region of the image bearing member from which the developing agent has been removed by the first removing member; and a member which releases the second removing member from the image bearing member in such a manner as to prevent the region of the image bearing member which is contacted with the first removing member at the time of interruption of the application of the bias to the first removing member from coming into contact with the second removing member.