This study aims to expose the view of cleanliness and disciplinary methods (parenting) in the Swedish picture book Pelle Snygg och barnen i Snaskeby (1896) by Ottilia Adelborg. The analysis takes a hermeneutic approach with Michel Foucault’s theory of discipline and Norbert Elias civilisation theory. The result shows a clear distinction between how the children are being described as filthy and clean. The clean children are seen as productive and as subjects for learning. Disciplinary methods are used to teach children about cleanliness, which soon becomes a norm in Snaskeby. The conclusion is that cleanliness and disciplinary methods are applied and that the last century’s hygiene ideals had an effect on the view of cleanliness.