A reactive melamine derivative, 2-amino-4-chloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine (ACHT), was covalently bound onto cotton cellulose through nucleophilic substitutions. Four treatment methods, including cold-pad-batch, pad-dry-cure, pad-steaming, and exhaustion, were employed in the reactions. The pad-dry-cure method provided the highest reaction efficiency. The mechanical properties of the treated fabrics were characterized, and the reaction mechanism was further discussed. Upon chlorine bleaching treatment, the covalently bound ACHT moieties could be transformed into chloromelamine derivatives, providing potent, durable, and rechargeable antimicrobial functions against 10(6)-10(7) CFU/mL of drug-resistant gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria under both waterborne and airborne conditions.