Chemical bleaching has a detrimental effect on paper and conservators are quite concerned with the continued use of conventional chemical bleaching methods. This presentation is concerned with a search for alternative methods which would keep the use of chemical bleaching to a minimum, and eventually may make it possible to dispense with much of our worry. The structure of paper tends to retain what it absorbs. Therefore, materials use to reduce discoloration of paper should ideally be harmless and not shorten its life. Magnesium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate and ammonia adjust the pH of wash water to a higher alkalinity and aid in releasing discoloration more effectively. Alcohols may be used as wetting agents for highly sized paper. Enzymes have a cleansing action. A vacuum suction table effectively draws dissolved substances out of the paper structure. Sunlight in the presence of moisture and magnesium bicarbonate may prove to be a safer, effective bleaching method, and further studies should be made of bleaching with alternative light sources.