The ink jet recording method is an ink jet recording method of recording an image on a recording medium using an ink jet recording apparatus including a recording head and a recovery mechanism for recovering an ejection state of pigment ink from ejection orifices. The recording head includes a first flow path and a second flow path allowing an ejection orifice and a recording element to communicate with each other and through which ink flows between the ejection orifice and the recording element. The ink jet recording method includes (i) a first cleaning of allowing the ink in the first flow path to flow to the second flow path while performing wiping and suction with a suction wiper; or (ii) a second cleaning of allowing the ink in the first flow path to flow to the second flow path after performing wiping and suction with a suction wiper.