Diseases caused by microbial infections, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, are increasing every year. Currently, antibiotics are the primary treatment method for bacterial infections. However, over use of antibiotics can easily lead to bacterial resistance. Due to the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of copper nanomaterials, they exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against both gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria. In this review, the preparation methods of copper nanomaterials were summarized, the antibacterial and antiviral effects of copper nanomaterials, and their applications in the fields of antibacterial and antiviral were discussed. Finally, the problems of copper nanomaterials in terms of toxicity and stability were summarized, and their future applications in the fields of antibacterial and antiviral were prospected.