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Duvets

Whether your duvet is made from downy feathers or synthetic material, it can become a bit musty from being inside all winter. So a good airing outside will restore its freshness.It’s best to clean it first, either in your washing machine or by dry cleaning, depending on the care instructions. Many duvets (even feather versions) can be tumble dried, and adding a couple of tennis balls or wool dryer balls will plump the filling up nicely.

However, be careful when airing your duvet outside, because direct sunlight can dry out the filling and make your duvet lumpy and uncomfortable, so always air duvets in the shade. You might want to change your winter duvet for a lightweight summer one.

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Floor Rugs

All those feet (and maybe muddy paws!) tramping over your rugs makes them another prime candidate for some outdoor airing. Vacuum your rugs on both sides to remove any loose dust and dirt, then roll them up and take them outside. It’s a good idea to give them a hearty shake when you get there to remove any final detritus and if they still look a bit dirt-ridden, you can give them a good old-fashioned beating with a broom handle.

A standard clothesline isn’t sturdy enough to hold heavy rugs, so string up a bungee cord between trees, spread your rugs out on a tarp or hang them over a deck or stair railing instead. And if possible, protect the patterned side from too much exposure to sunlight because it could fade the colors. Your rugs will benefit from a spell in the sun, but the outdoors is the perfect spot to shampoo your area rugs too.

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Houseplants

It’s not only furnishings that need some time outdoors. Your houseplants might be feeling a bit claustrophobic after a winter indoors too, so why not give them a treat and put them outside for some much needed fresh spring air? Many houseplants can be put outside once the danger of frost is past.  If you’re looking for good-tempered houseplants, these 10 varieties are very resilient! But remember to do this gradually, because sudden exposure colder temperatures can shock your precious plants. Open windows for a few days to let air in before putting houseplants outside. Or acclimate them gradually, beginning with one hour outside and gradually increasing the time over a few days. And, watch the weather forecast carefully so you can whisk them inside again if there’s an unexpected frost or heavy rain.

Bright sunlight can also shock your plants, so place them in the shade at first, in a sheltered spot out of the wind so the leaves and soil don’t dry out. You might need to adjust your feeding and watering routine once they’re outside. And watch out for outdoor pests and treat accordingly—especially before moving plants back inside. And, here are 10 houseplants that are NOT toxic to your pets.