The effects of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on antibacterial and wash durability behaviour of nanoparticles treated cotton fabric using sodium alginate as cross linker were studied. The metal oxide nanoparticles treated cotton fabric using sodium alginate as a crosslinker was characterized employing SEM-EDX and their antibacterial activity was analyzed. The obtained zone of inhibition and estimated wash durability behaviour is in the order of ZnO>CuO. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.