The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of C.I. Basic Red 18:1 (D1) and C.I. Basic Yellow 51 (D2) cationic dyes and dyed acrylic fabrics against the common pathogens $Escherichia$ $coli$, $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ and $Pseudomonas$ $aeruginosa$. C.I. Basic Red 18:1 dye was most effective against the test bacteria $E.$ $coli$, $S.$ $aureus$ and $P.$ $aeruginosa$ in vitro whereas C.I. Basic Yellow 51 had a lesser effect. The acrylic fabrics dyed with these dyes, however, showed less antimicrobial activity depending on the dyeing depth. It can be said that acrylic fabrics dyed with these dyes inhibit bacterial growth.