A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction chamber; an outlet duct; an underside for engaging a surface to be cleaned; a main suction opening in the underside, which opens into the suction chamber; an auxiliary suction path which opens into the suction chamber; and a bleed path in fluid communication with the outlet duct. The suction nozzle further includes a valve mechanism arranged to open and close the auxiliary suction path and the bleed path, the valve mechanism being movable between a first configuration in which the auxiliary suction path is closed and the bleed path is open, a second configuration in which the auxiliary suction path is open and the bleed path is closed, and a third configuration in which both the auxiliary suction path and the bleed path are closed.