A water-based cleaning liquid for inkjet recording apparatus use contains at least 0.10% by mass and no greater than 10.00% by mass of a nonionic surfactant, at least 0.50% by mass and no greater than 30.00% by mass of a deliquescent agent, and a pH adjuster. The nonionic surfactant contains polyoxyalkylene alkylamine. The deliquescent agent includes at least one of sorbitol, trimethylolpropane, and 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. The pH adjuster includes an alkali metal salt. The water-based cleaning liquid for inkjet recording apparatus use has a pH of at least 7.5 and no greater than 8.5.