A hand-held vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having a flap 14 on its underside which forms the bottom wall of a dust collection chamber 15. In use, the flap 14 can be released to empty the chamber 15 of accumulated dirt and dust. The flap 14 acts as a chute to help convey the dust to a suitable disposal receptacle. A filter 17 inside the collection chamber 15 separates dirt and dust from the induced airflow. The filter 17 can be cleaned occasionally by operating a motor 36 which causes rotation of the filter 17 relative to a brush 39 disposed in engagement with the exterior of the filter 17.