Antibacterial needlepunched cotton/polyester webs of varying fiber content (10/90, 20/80 and 30/70 cotton/polyester) were produced by spraying a dilute aqueous dispersion of an environmentally benign antibacterial agent (magnesium hydroperoxyacetate or MHPA), drying and curing the webs, then needlepunching the webs. The composition of the antibacterial agent was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, and by its peroxide content and that of the modified nonwovens as determined by iodometric titration. Untreated and modified needlepunched nonwovens had comparable physical properties such as bursting strength and stiffness, but the treated nonwovens also had outstanding antibacterial activity at peroxide contents as low as 0.22 %. Applications for the treated blended nonwovens are numerous and include air filters, wall coverings, automotive interiors and interlinings.