Sulfonated and unsulfonated cotton fabrics are finished with DMDMDHEU to study the agent distribution and reaction kinetics. The surface concentration of the crosslinking agent on the finished fabrics is significant for sulfonated cottons. Specific reaction rate constants for sulfonated cottons are higher than for the unsulfonated fabric, and the rate constant for the higher degree of sulfonation is greater than for the lower degree. Sulfonation does not affect the energy needed for the crosslinking reaction. Enthalpies of activation for sulfonated fabrics are lower than for the unsulfonated fabric, and the higher the degree of sulfonation, the lower the enthalpy of activation. Entropies of activation decrease with increased degree of sulfonation. Sulfonation of cotton does affect the reaction state, but does not affect energy consumption in the reaction between cellulose and the crosslinking agent.