Abstract: A canister type vacuum cleaner having cylindrical walls and a bottom therein supporting at the upper open end thereof a suction type blower and filter is provided with discharge means attachable to the bottom of the canister and including a transverse slide adapted to close an opening formed in a supporting plate for the slide and an additional coaxial opening which is to be formed in the bottom of the canister, the canister also including a conical, funnel-like deflector having a central opening coaxial with the opening in the bottom of the canister, the slide forming a closure which is spring-pressed in closing direction and including a manipulating handle and an end which may be operated when the slide is in open position to maintain the same in said position to facilitate emptying the canister from the bottom thereof without requiring removal of the suction head and dumping of the canister.