Abstract: Aiming at the application of citric acid and chitosan in antimicrobial finishing for cotton fabrics,the effect of the chitosan concentration on the antimicrobial property of the cotton fabric,the content of polycarboxylic acid on the fixation rate of chitosan and the curing temperature on the fixation rate of chitosan and whiteness of the fabric were investigated.The properties of the treated cotton fabric are tested,and the results showed that anitmicrobial finishing effect of the cotton fabric treated with citric acid and chitosan are evident.The durable press and wrinkle recovery angle of the treated cotton fabric have improved,and despite repeated launderings,over 80% of the antimicrobial effect remained.