Cotton lint and sliver were treated with solvent systems previously shown to reduce endotoxin content of cotton dust (as measured by Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) gelation). Endotoxin content of cotton fiber was substantially reduced by treatment with dimethylsulfoxide or with ethanol containing potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, or hydrochloric acid. Cotton treated with ethanol/sodium hydroxide could be processed into yarn on standard equipment and knitted into a single-knit fabric.