This paper presents results on the use of trisodium nitrilo triacetate, a biodegradable alkaline organic salt, for pad–steam dyeing of cotton with reactive dyes as a replacement for conventionally used inorganic electrolyte and alkali. Two widely used dyes, CI Reactive Red 147 and CI Reactive Blue 250, were used in the study. The colour yield, dye fixation and ultimate colour fastness achieved by using trisodium nitrilo triacetate were closely comparable with those obtained by using inorganic electrolyte and alkali. The tensile breaking force and wrinkle recovery angle of the dyed fabrics were also measured and were slightly improved when using organic salt. Additionally, the dyeing effluent showed reductions in total dissolved solids content with trisodium nitrilo triacetate.