disclosed are an image forming method that removes adhered material from a latent image carrier and then forms an image on the latent image carrier , and an image forming apparatus that employs this method . the image forming apparatus includes : a developing unit for developing the latent image on the image carrier by toner and for collecting residual toner on the carrier ; a transfer unit for transferring to the developed image a sheet ; a removing mechanism for removing material that adheres to the carrier ; a drive mechanism for rotating the carrier ; and a controller for selectively executing an image forming mode , to control the individual constituent units , and an adhered material removal mode , to permit the removing mechanism to remove the material that adheres to the carrier as it is rotated by the drive mechanism . the image forming method includes : a rotation start step , for initiating rotation of an endless latent image carrier ; an adhered material removal step , for permitting an removing mechanism to remove material that adheres to the carrier during at least one rotation of the carrier following the initiation of the rotation ; a charging step , for applying an electrical charge to the carrier ; a latent image forming step , for forming a latent image on the carrier ; a developing step , for developing the latent image on the carrier and for collecting residual toner from the carrier ; and a transfer step , for transferring to a sheet a toner image on the carrier .