New environmentally benign antibacterial agents [magnesium hydroperoxy-acetate(MHPA) and magnesium dihydroperoxide (MDHP)--reaction products of Mg(OAc)₂.4H₂O and H₂O₂] were affixed to a variety of cellulosic nonwoven fabrics (commercial laboratory paper towels reinforced with nylon mesh--72g/m²; 50/50 cotton/polyester hydroentangled gauze--40 g/m²; bleached staple cotton, needle-punched— 160 g/m²; bleached and mercerized staple cotton, needle-punched—160 g/m²) by conventional pad-cure methods. The bound antibacterial agents were evaluated for their affinity and durability to leaching for each nonwoven fabric. Elemental analyses for magnesium and bound active peroxide were used for the characterization.