Cleaning Resistol headband and liner

[handymike]

Hello, I'm new here and just purchased my first Beaver felt hat- a Resistol San Antonio...
It's in great condition, but the leather headband and liner are a little bit moldy. The liner has those brown dots, and I want them gone! Any tips?
Thanks so much All......

 

[Inusuit]

Since no one else has offered free advice, here's mine. You have a great hat in a classic style. The safest approach is to take or send the hat for professional renovation, although that's no guarantee of perfection. The liner is probably only loosely sewn into the hat. Gently fold down the leather sweatband and you should be able to remove the liner. You can then spot clean or carefully wash the liner with mild soap such as Woolite and warm water. Might not get the brown dots, but should remove the mold odor. For the sweatband, I'd first use a good grade of saddle soap to clean it, then treat with a leather conditioner. I like Lexol or Fiebing's Four Way. Don't use any product with a petroleum base or you'll end up with grease spots on the felt. And don't overdo it. Once you get the liner clean, you can replace it and fold the sweatband back up inside the hat. You probably won't need to re-sew the liner as it should stay in place without.