A method of imparting antimicrobial properties to a cellulose-containing fibrous or porous material, said method comprising providing a cellulose-containing material contacting said cellulose-containing material with a basic agent contacting said material with a solution comprising silver ions at a first temperature, thereby forming a wetted material optionally heating said wetted material to a second temperature, wherein said second temperature is greater than said first temperature maintaining contact between said solution comprising silver ions and the material for a period of time sufficient to allow for the formation of silver particles on a surface of said material optionally performing at least one washing step and optionally drying said material.
