An ink-jet recording apparatus includes an ink-jet head having an ink ejection surface which has a plurality of ink ejection ports formed therethough, and a cap including a base, and an annular protrusion which extends from the base in a protruding direction. The annular protrusion has a recess formed therein, and when the annular protrusion contacts the ink ejection surface, an enclosed space is defined therebetween. The apparatus also includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the cap relative to the ink-jet head in a first plane which is parallel to the ink ejection surface to selectively position the annular protrusion in a first position in which the annular protrusion opposes the ink ejection surface, and a second position in which the annular protrusion is offset from the ink ejection surface in the protruding direction. Moreover, the apparatus includes a brush comprising a plurality of flexible needle members.