Abstract Polyethylenimine-containing cotton fabrics were prepared by reaction of 1-epoxyethyl-3, 4-epoxycyclohexane with cotton fabric impregnated with polyethylenimine of a moderately high molecular weight. Fabrics with a high unremovable polyethylenimine content and with a different degree of cross-linking were obtained. Adsorption of several heavy metal salts such as mercuric chloride and cupric sulfate by the fabrics was investigated. Adsorption was controlled by polyethylenimine content of the fabric, extent of cross-linking, and the pH of the solution.