An image forming apparatus includes a recording head having a nozzle and configured to discharge droplets of a recording fluid via the nozzle onto a recording sheet in an image forming operation; a sheet transport unit configured to transport the recording sheet in a sheet transport direction; and a maintenance unit configured to perform a maintenance operation for the recording head. The maintenance unit is configured to be moved in a forward direction corresponding to the sheet transport direction and a backward direction opposite the forward direction. The maintenance unit performs the maintenance operation when the maintenance unit is moved in the backward direction.