The opening and carding of fibers is well understood for yarn production. The same operations may also serve a role in nonwoven applications. The presentation is intended as an overview of the options and parameters involved in the opening, cleaning, and carding of fibers, particularly cotton, for those involved in nonwovens production. The proper opening and cleaning of fibers is an essential step in processing. The objective during these stages of processing is to sufficiently prepare the fibers while imparting minimal damage and providing maximum removal of non-lint content. Various parameters such as type and number of opening and cleaning machines, type of carding machine, and environmental conditions all serve a role in determining the final properties of the fiber for further processing into nonwoven materials.