Portable cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a body (12) having a lower surface (16) and first and second support means (18a, 18b) located at or adjacent opposing sides of the lower surface (16). Between the first and second support means (18a, 18b), the lower surface (16) has an upwardly extending recess (30) for accommodating a stair tread. This provides portable cleaning apparatus, e.g. a vacuum cleaner, which can be positioned in a stable manner on stairs.