Vacuum cleaner

A vacuum cleaner 210 comprising airflow generating means 214 to provide an airflow through the vacuum cleaner, a collection vessel 212 through which the airflow passes, and an exhaust line 216 downstream of the airflow generating means 214 and collection vessel 212. The exhaust line 216 comprises an exhaust treatment unit 220 that has a first adsorbent medium 221 configured to adsorb volatile organic compounds contained in the airflow by chemisorption. The first adsorbent medium may be configured to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in the airflow by physisorption (322 fig. 3) and/or to catalyse (321 fig. 3) the degradation of one or more volatile organic compounds. The exhaust treatment may comprise a second adsorbent medium to adsorb VOCs by physisorption, disposed upstream of the first adsorbent. The first adsorbent may comprise a manganese oxide-based catalyst, doped with one or more transition metals. The chemisorption medium may comprise hindered amines, acid or base impregnation on porous support, functionalised polymers, or functionalised metal organic frameworks and potassium carbonate. A method of operating said vacuum cleaner is also provided.