Ink jet recording apparatus and flushing control method used in the same

A flushing control method for an ink jet recording apparatus comprising an ink jet recording head provided with a nozzle formation face on which nozzle orifices for ejecting ink drops in accordance with print data are formed;

• a capping member which seals the nozzle formation face, the capping member having an inner space formed with a bottom;
• and
• an ink absorbing member provided on the bottom of the inner space of the capping member;
• the method comprising the steps of:
• counting an accumulated number of ink drops ejected;
• judging whether the accumulated number reaches a predetermined value;
• performing an idle suction, in which a part of ink absorbed in the ink absorbing member is sucked while the capping member is separated from the nozzle formation face, when the accumulated number reaches a predetermined value;
• and
• resetting the accumulated number when the idle suction is performed.