A bis-reactive cationic fixing agent, ethylenebis [N-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride] has been used as an aftertreatment reagent to improve the wash fastness of direct dyes on cotton. The effects of different pH conditions and concentrations on the effectiveness of this cationic fixing agent have been investigated. The results showed that aftertreatment at pH 11 produced dyeings with higher colour strength and better wash fastness than that at pH 7. In addition, the cationic agent at a low concentration was found to be more effective under both neutral and alkaline conditions.