Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head having an ink discharge opening for discharging ink, a suction system for applying negative pressure to the ink discharge opening to suck ink therefrom to recover proper discharge of ink, and a first capping member for capping the ink discharge opening, the member being connected to the suction system to apply negative pressure to the discharge opening when it is capped. The apparatus also includes an ink retaining portion for retaining ink to be fed to the recording head, a vent opening in the ink retaining portion, and a second capping member for capping the vent opening.