A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower for generating a suction air stream and a dust collecting unit for collecting dirt particles contained in the suction air stream. The suction air stream passing through the dust collecting unit into the electric blower flows in an approximately linear path. A dust removing unit is provided for removing dirt particles adhered to the dust collecting unit. The dust removing unit is preferably disposed adjacent to a communication hole between the dust collecting chamber and an electric blower chamber.