A self-righting cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly having a recess in which the separating apparatus is received. At least a portion of the separating apparatus is visible as a portion of the outer surface of the cleaning appliance when the separating apparatus is received in the recess, and the cleaning appliance is arranged so that it is urged to return to an upright position if it is tipped onto its side.