<p>This study focused on the recycling of waste cotton fibers, which constitute a major portion of textile waste generated by the fast fashion industry. The waste cotton fibers were selected and converted into antibacterial activated carbon fibers (ACFs). To evaluate the odor adsorption performance of the produced ACFs, further research was conducted. ACF_TiO₂, one of the TiO₂-impregnated samples, revealed a specific surface area of 2,082 m²/g and a mesopore ratio of 77%. Antibacterial analysis demonstrated a bacteriostatic reduction rate of over 99.9% against <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>K</i>. <i>pneumoniae</i>. In addition, adsorption tests targeting hydrogen sulfide and toluene showed excellent deodorization performance with removal rates of 99.8% and 98.9%, respectively. Based on these results, it is anticipated that the ACFs can be applied and utilized in various industries where odor generation is a concern.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>