A vacuum cleaner including a cyclonic separating unit that includes a cyclonic separator having a separator axis and an end wall which is openable for the removal of dirt from the cyclonic separator, a screen disposed within the cyclonic separator such that it extends in the longitudinal direction of the cyclonic separator, wherein the cyclonic separator is movable relative to the screen between a first position and a second position in the longitudinal direction of the cyclonic separator; a catch arranged to secure the openable end wall in a closed position; and an actuator which is actuated to release the catch when the cyclonic separator is moved into the second position. In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a vacuum cleaner apparatus in which the actuator is enabled for subsequent release of the catch when the cyclonic separator is moved into the second position.