A method for forming a dispersible nonwoven substrate comprising the steps of: a) emulsion polymerizing at least one mono-ethylenically unsaturated monomer an emulsion polymer； and b) neutralizing the emulsion polymer with a neutralizer selected from the group consisting of an amine having a pKb of 4 to 7, an alkali hydroxide, and combinations thereof to form the aqueous nonwoven binder； c) contacting a nonwoven substrate with said aqueous nonwoven binder to form a contacted nonwoven substrate； d) heating the contacted nonwoven substrate to a temperature of from 120° C. to 220° C. to form a heated contacted nonwoven substrate； and e) immersing the contacted heated nonwoven substrate in an aqueous medium having a final pH of less than 5.5 to provide a dispersible nonwoven substrate wherein the aqueous medium contains a buffer comprising a mixture of citric acid and sodium citrate is disclosed.
