A method is provided for cleaning at least one filter of a vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a suction inlet and a dirt collection container, which can be subjected to negative pressure by a suction unit via the at least one filter and a suction extraction line, and wherein for cleaning purposes the at least one filter can be acted upon by external air on the clean side via at least one external air valve, which moves from a closed valve position via an open valve position back into the closed valve position for cleaning the at least one filter. So that the at least one filter can be cleaned particularly effectively, the suction power of the suction unit can be increased before transfer of the external air valve to the open valve position and reduced again later. A vacuum cleaner for performing the method is also provided.