An engine control apparatus is configured to control a direct injection engine that includes a combustion chamber and an intake system including an intake port. The engine control apparatus includes a cleaning component sensor and a mode controller. The cleaning component sensor is provided in a fuel system and configured to detect a cleaning component included in fuel. The fuel system includes a fuel tank and an injector and is configured to supply the fuel to the combustion chamber. The mode controller is configured to cause execution of a cleaning mode by the direct injection engine, under a state in which the cleaning component included in the fuel is higher than a threshold. The cleaning mode includes increasing an amount of a fuel-air mixture flowing back from the combustion chamber to the intake port.