A grid wire cleaning mechanism is provided to prevent a reduction in image
quality due to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier not
being uniformly charged as a result of corona products adhering unevenly
to the surface of the grid wires to extend the life of the grid wires and
grid wire contact member. A first abrading member 71 abrades grid wires
224. A movement device 73 moves the first abrading member 71 in the same
direction as the direction of extension of the grid wires 224. A humidity
measurement unit 741 measures the humidity near the grid wires 224. The
operation control unit 743 operates the movement device 73 when cleaning
the grid wires 224, but does not operate the movement device 73 when the
humidity measured by the humidity measurement unit 741 exceeds a
predetermined threshold value.